Sechseläuten

Today all of our beloved Zurich celebrates spring with the traditional Sechseläuten festival.

This festival dates back to the Middle Ages and at that time celebrated the first day of summer working hours. During the winter semester, working hours in all workshops lasted until sunset, but during the summer semester (i.e. starting on the Monday following the spring equinox), the law stipulated that work had to cease when the church bells rang at six o’clock in the afternoon. It is no coincidence that the word Sechseläuten in Swiss German literally translates as ‘The ringing of the bells at six o’clock’.

The festivities used to take place on the Monday following the spring equinox, now keeping with the traction it is held on the third Monday in April.

The evolution of tradition

The star of the festival has always been a wonderful parade and accompanying Böögg, the snowman symbolising the winter that has passed.

The tradition of burning the Böögg predates the Sechseläuten, as what is now a snowman used to be a masked character who played tricks and frightened children during carnival, usually representing some disaster such as influenza.

It was only in 1892 that the guilds decided to burn the effigy, which no longer represented a disaster but winter, which is why it now resembles a snowman. The Parade and the burning of the Bögg was officially introduced in 1902.

The real stars of the festival

Today, around 3,500 guild members in costumes, typical costumes and uniforms take part in the big Sechseläuten parade. In addition, there are also 350 horsemen and 50 exclusively horse-drawn carts. 30 marching bands brighten up the atmosphere.

But that’s not all, because each year, around 2,000 to 3,000 children participate in the parade, who do not have to belong to any guild to take part in the event. During the parade, they wear typical or historical costumes and are accompanied by around 800 musicians.

Since 1991, Sechseläuten has hosted a canton, which presents its specialities on the Lindenhof. Usually, politicians from that canton attend the parade as guests of honour.

In short, a festival not to be missed! Happy Sechseläuten!

Your anfina team