Sechseläuten is a celebration, in Zurich that has been marking the arrival of spring for years. The festivities feature guild members dressed in attire, vibrant bands, beautiful horses, blooming flowers and waving flags. However the highlight of the festival is undeniably the Böögg.”
Sechseläuten
The Böögg, which today is the central figure of the Sechseläuten, is burnt at exactly six o’clock in the evening, to the ringing of the bells in St. Peter’s Church. He is a life-size snowman with a head filled with fireworks. Legend has it that the time it takes for the Böögg to explode predicts the coming summer. The faster and more violently the Böögg’s head explodes, the more beautiful and sunny the summer will be.
Sechseläuten – history of the festival
In the 16th century the Zurich Council, comprised of guild members back then made a notable decision. They chose to extend working hours by one hour during summer months to mark the start of spring leading to work ending at 6 pm. This symbolic gesture was signaled by the ringing of Grossmünsters bell on the first Monday after the equinox precisely, at 6 pm. Following this day work continued for a hour until autumn. This historical move, initially dubbed “Sächsilüüte”. Which means ringing at six o’clock. Has been commemorated annually since.
With time “Sächsilüüte” has evolved into a affair in Zurich. It not signifies the shift from winter to spring and longer daylight hours. Also reflects the communitys gratitude, towards the citys labor and economy. The people of Zurich celebrate this occasion with pride and happiness rejoicing in a manner as they embrace the changing seasons.
Sechseläuten is an customary festival that captivates both locals and tourists with its celebrations.
The vibrant and lively atmosphere, in Zurich during the onset of a season fills everyone, with happiness and optimism. The burning of the Böögg is a captivating spectacle that boosts peoples spirits and builds excitement for the arrival of spring.
Video Violent Böögg explosion in Zurich – Sechseläuten 2022
After 37 minutes and 59 seconds, the Böögg in Zurich exploded violently and loudly at Sechseläuten 2022 🙂
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Video Zurich’s Burning Snowman Festival | The Most Explosive Weather Forecast | Sechseläuten
Burning Snowman – the Sechseläuten in Zurich is maybe the most explosive weather forecast in Europe. Therefore an effigy of a snowman, the so called Böögg, is burnt until it explodes. A parade of 3,500 people, 350 riders, 50 horse-drawn wagons and 30 brass bands celebrates the Sechseläuten, or Sächsilüüte” as locals call it. A very special arrival of the summer months.
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