Festivals and Celebrations in Switzerland

When traveling to Switzerland be sure to plan you trip around several of the festivals and celebrations Switzerland has to offer. The most famous is the Vogel-Gryff Volksfest which is celebrated every January. The purpose of the celebration is to promote community and strengthen national pride. The festivities begin with a raft floating down the Rhine River with an elaborate display of drummers, flags and masked man carrying a pine tree. The raft is met by a large bird and lion followed by dancing in the streets. These symbols represent the old neighborhoods of Switzerland.



Another unique festival revolves around an onion. This festival celebrating the onion is held every November in the capitol of Switzerland, Zibelemarit. Huge sections of the historic city are closed down for outdoor farmers markets featuring onions of course, as well as other fresh vegetables. L?Escalade is a festival to celebrate a historic event that took place in the 1602. Geneva was invaded and held out against the enemy and after three days one brave man poured a scalding hot pot of soup on the enemies and this started their march out of town. So for three nights in December, Geneva is full of country markets, parades, and characters dressed in period costume to celebrate freedom.

SWITZERLAND CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS

Christmas celebrations in Switzerland do not differ very much from those in other western European nations and the United States. A typical Swiss family gatghers on Christmass Eve, December 24th. Santa Claus plays only a small role in Swiss Xmas. Franco-German Switzerland pays homage to le petit Jesus or the Baby Jesus. Traditionally, a family decorates a tree on Christmas Eve, though younger generations are putting trees up throughout December. Gifts are exchanged, hymns and carols are sung and then midnight masss is attended which is very popular in Switzerland.

Comments from tanny in Australia
     Posted on: 04-29-2007
     Rating: Neutral

hi,
I was looking up this sight for my assignment...I thought some of the information was reasonable but what?
Switzerlands capital is Zibelemarit? I don't really think so... Bern is!so yeah.. but the rest of the info was alrite..come on! u cant get past a 17 year old...but anyway,thanx

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