Zurich Spring Festival, locally known as 'Sechselauten', held every year in the month of April is celebrated to herald the advent of Spring. This traditional festival is 600 years old and is an integral part of Zurich culture. The grand festival is marked with a colorful parade and the burning of an effigy of the snowman symbolizing winter.
History of Zurich Spring Festival
The word Sechselauten means 'ringing of the six'o clock bell'. In the 16th century the ringing of church bells use to signify the start or the end of the working hours. Generally in the winters, the bell use to toll exactly at 5 pm marking the end of the day, while during the summers it was extended to 6 pm. Originally, the Zurich Spring Festival was held exactly on Spring equinox i.e March 21st. With the passage of time the exact date remained no longer important. Presently, Sechselauten is celebrated on a third Sunday keeping in mind the favorable weather conditions.
The colorful guild parade of the Zurich Spring Festival
The colorful parades were first initiated by the traditional guild Zu Meisen in the year 1818. The procession comprised of riders on horsebacks riding to the beat of the a background music. By 1839 all the traditional guilds actively participated in the parade. From 1951 these parades were based on different themes. Around 3000 guild members take part in the modern day parade wearing colorful traditional costumes and marching to the military rhythm played by 30 brass bands.
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Route of the Zurich Spring Festival Parade originates from the central railway station passes through Bahnhofstrasse to Burkiplats at the lake shore and comes back to Uraniastrasse. After that it crosses the River Limmat on Rudolf Brun Brucke and up to Limmafaqui to Sechselaufenplatz. On their journey the guild members are presented with flower bouquets by the spectators.
Zurich Spring Festival - The Children's Parade
The children's parade of the Zurich Spring Festival takes place the day before the main festivities. Members of 26 guilds participate in this parade. At first, the guilds only accepted male members, but most of the new district guilds are offering membership to women. Before the start of the parade the children have their lunch in the respective guild halls and the participants, march through the town waving colorful banners as several onlookers watch and wave at them.
Explosion of the Boogg - the final climax of Zurich Spring Festival
The ultimate climax of this festival is the bursting of the snowman stuffed with fire crackers, locally known as the Boogg. The tolling of the bell of St Peters signify the advent of spring and the end of winter. The effigy of the snowman explodes with the fire crackers on the grounds of Sechselauten Field.
The city of Zurich assumes a festive spirit during this Spring Festival. People forget all their stresses and worries during the festival and enjoy themselves to the full.
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