Sächsilüüte - A look at Zürich’s traditional festival that welcomes the start of spring
Sechseläuten (Zürich German: Sächsilüüte, the ‘six o’clock ringing of the bells’) is one of the most famous and traditional festivals in Zürich, Switzerland. It is celebrated annually on the third Monday of April, this year on the 28th, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival is known for its colorful processions, and the symbolic burning of the Böögg, a snowman-like figure made of straw and filled with fireworks, symbolizing winter. The quicker the Böögg's head explodes, the better the upcoming summer weather is believed to be. The square where the Böög is burnt is called the Sechseläuten Square.
The Children’s Parade usually takes place the day before, on Sunday 27 April. The young generation wear historical costumes and celebrate the arrival of spring.
The Guilds of Zürich play a central role in the Sechseläuten celebrations. These guilds are medieval trade and craft associations that have existed for centuries, with many dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, they are primarily cultural and social organizations, but their historical significance is still honoured during Sechseläuten.
The Sechseläuten festivities include:
The Zünfte (Guilds): Members of these guilds participate in the Sechseläuten parade wearing traditional robes, which represent their trade or craft. The guilds are organized by the profession they represent (e.g., bakers, tailors, butchers, etc.), and each guild has its own history, colors, and standards.
The Parade: The guilds take part in the main parade on the day of Sechseläuten, marching through the streets of Zürich in their ceremonial costumes. This is an opportunity for the guilds to showcase their pride and tradition. The procession is led by the Zürich City Mayor and includes hundreds of guild members, some on horseback.
The Böögg Burning: After the parade, the Böögg is placed on a large bonfire in Sechseläutenplatz, and its burning marks the culmination of the festival. This ritual is often accompanied by music, festivities, and the anticipation of the explosion. After the snowman has exploded, people bring their “Cervelats” (Swiss sausages) to the fire and grill them on a stick.
Traditionally, Sechseläuten was an event primarily for men, particularly within the Zürich guilds, which were historically male-dominated. However, over the years, women have increasingly been allowed to participate.
Women’s Participation Today:
Guilds: In recent decades, many guilds in Zürich have opened their doors to women, allowing them to become full members. Some guilds even have female members who participate in the parade and the festivities. In fact, some guilds have established specific women's groups within the organization, with their own traditional robes and roles during the event.
The Parade: Today, women can be seen marching in the Sechseläuten parade alongside the men, wearing traditional costumes or robes of the guilds they belong to.
Böögg Burning: Women also take part in the symbolic burning of the Böögg, with no gender restrictions on who can be involved in this central part of the event.
In 2025, Zug will be the guest canton of Sechseläuten, and will be prominently featured and celebrated throughout the event. Representatives from Zug will participate in the parade, and various cultural displays and activities associated with Zug will be highlighted during the festivities. This is a special honor for Zug, and the guest canton’s traditions, music, and customs will be showcased to the public.