Sechseläuten Spring Festival

This age-old tradition dates back to the 16th century, when the City Council – at that time composed exclusively of members of the guilds (guilds) in Zürich – decided that the end of work in summer should be 1 hour later than in winter months. In winter, workers had to start storing tools at 5pm because of insufficient light. Therefore, in the summer, when daylight lasts, the bell to signal the end of the workday will ring at 6 pm. Therefore, Böögg, a giant snowman made of cotton, will be burned at exactly 6 pm as the climax of the Sechseläuten festival.

Opening with a children's parade on Sunday afternoon, children marched through the city in historic costumes on loan from the organizers, or in imaginary costumes of their own creation.

On Monday afternoon, usually the 3rd Monday of every April, male members of 25 guilds (twentyfive guilds) will wear historical costumes accompanied by various bands to parade through the city covered with flags. Since 2000, though not officially announced, the parades of the 25 guilds have been coordinated by the Fraumünster Church Women's Association. Until the end of the 18th century, guilds (guilds) were mostly associations of craftsmen involved in governing the city. Since then, they only carry out social activities, the most characteristic of which is Sechseläuten.

At 6 p.m., everything converges on Sechseläutenplatz in Bellevue, on the shores of Lake Zürich. There, the snowman Böög - the symbol of cold winter will be lit up in the firelight, as a symbol of the people's enthusiasm in welcoming the arrival of spring. Equestrian groups, representing a number of guilds (guilds) ran around Böögg Following the Sechseläuten marching music – a parade of hunters, until Böögg burst into flames. According to locals, the faster Böögg's outbreak occurs, the sooner the long-awaited spring will arrive.

In the evenings, guilds come to greet each other in their halls to listen to amusing and witty speeches. Many old buildings are located on the banks of the Limma River, where greeting visits can be made by boat.

Location: Starting at Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zürich – gather at Sechseläutenplatz

Time: April 19, 2021