Sechseläuten

In the Spring, Zurich comes to life. The historical “Sechseläuten” celebration takes place on the 3rd Monday of April. This time-honored event dates back to the 1500s when the City Council in Switzerland decided that during the summer, work should stop an hour later. So, it was decided that a bell in the Grössmunster would be rung at 6 o'clock to signal the beginning of Summer and its new work hours. However, the citizens then turned Sechseläuten - translated to “the six o’clock ringing of the bells”  - citizens into a celebration as well.

Half a millennium later, each year thousands of people gather around a huge fire pit with a snowman, the Böögg, in the center. When the clock strikes six, a massive bonfire starts, burning the snowman while 350 horsemen gallop around it until all that is left are ashes. It has been said that the longer it takes for the snowman to collapse, the longer the upcoming winter will be.

The 2007 explosion of the Böögg’s head took place 12:09 minutes after the pyre was lit, promising moderate temperatures throughout the summer. On 14 April 2008,  the snowman predicted a cold summer - taking 26:01 minutes to explode as a result of heavy rainfall that soaked it completely. Both of these predictions came true, so maybe Sechseläuten's tradition is more reliable than your iPhone's weather app. 

On a side note, did I mention that this is a parade? Yes, the parade route starts at the lower end of the Bahnhofstrasse and finishes at Sechseläutenplatz, where the bonfire with the Böögg is waiting. Thirty music ensembles and more than 3500 guild members march the parade. If you enjoy the outdoors and have an interest in the cultural traditions of Switzerland than this festival is definitely for you!