Zurich’s Festival of Sechseläuten and The Burning of the Böögg
Every year, on the third Monday of April, the city of Zurich in Switzerland comes alive with the Festival of Sechseläuten. It’s a centuries-old celebration that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The highlight of the festival is the burning of the Böögg, a giant snowman-like effigy, which is lit on fire as a symbolic act to drive away the cold and darkness of winter and welcome the warmth and light of spring. The Sechseläuten festival is a very popular event that in the city which brings together locals and visitors and is one of the unique traditions of Zurich.
History and Origins of Sechseläuten
The origins of the Sechseläuten festival can be traced back to the Middle Ages when Zurich was a bustling center of trade and commerce. The word “Sechseläuten” actually means “six o’clock ringing”. It refers to the time when the guilds, or and craftsmen, would finish their work for the day and gather in the city square. As the days grew longer in spring, the workday would end earlier, and the ringing of the bells at six o’clock became a signal for the guildsmen to get together and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather.
Over time, the Sechseläuten festival evolved into a much bigger celebration, with the burning of the Böögg as the grand finale. The first recorded mention of the Böögg dates back to 1867 when a small snowman made of straw and old clothes was burned in the city square. Since then, the event had turned into a really big weekend festival and the burning of the Böögg has become a much-anticipated symbol of Zurich’s transition from winter to spring.
Preparations and Festivities
Preparations for the Sechseläuten festival begin months in advance, with various guilds and organizations working tirelessly to create the Böögg, which is a massive snowman figure made of wood and cloth. The Böögg is typically adorned with a colorful costume and a hat, and it is stuffed with fireworks to create a dramatic pyrotechnic display when it is set on fire.
The festival begins on the Friday and continues with parades and music and dancing all weekend and through till Monday at 6pm when the Böögg is set alight. Locals don traditional costumes, and the guilds march in a colourful procession through the city, accompanied by drums and blaring horns. The atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation and the whole city is alive and many of the streets are closed to traffic.
The Burning of the Böögg
As the sun sets and darkness falls, the Böögg is placed atop a bonfire in the city’s Sechseläutenplatz. At exactly 6pm the bonfire is lit, the crowds gather around and everyone waits for the moment when the Böögg’s fireworks will ignite, and the spectacle will begin.
The way the Böögg burns is also believed to be a predictor of the coming summer’s weather. Legend has it that the faster the Böögg’s head explodes and the fireworks burst, the warmer and sunnier the summer will be. On the other hand, if the Böögg’s head takes longer to explode and the fireworks are delayed, the summer outlook is for rain and showers!
As the flames consume the Böögg, the crowd watches with bated breath and cheers erupt when the Böögg’s head finally explodes, and fireworks light up the sky, marking the end of winter and the beginning of Spring!
Afterwards locals gather round and toast Bratwurst and sausages on the embers of the Böögg’s bonfire.
More Information on Sechseläuten
When: Sechseläuten 14th – 17th April 2023
Where: Throughout central Zurich in Switzerland
You can find out more by visiting the Sechselaeuten website here
*** Articles You May Like ***
Blumen Krämer Zurich Creates World’s Largest Daffodil Easter Egg
**************************