Sächsilüüte – Guilds on the road
Sechseläuten. Due to the corona pandemic, the festival could not be held for the last two years. Uniquely in history, the Böögg was burned for the first time in the canton of Uri in 2021. The reason for this was to avoid crowds during the pandemic. The Sächsiilüüte is a century-old tradition of the city of Zurich and heralds the beginning of spring. With bands, decorated floats, high on horseback with costumed guild members, a long procession shows through Zurich’s streets.
The centerpiece is the Böögg, which is burned punctually at 6:00 p.m. on the Sechseläutenplatz in front of the Opera House. The Böögg is a snowman filled with fireworks, which is built on a pyre. All the spectators wait anxiously to see how long it will take for the head to explode with a loud roar. The time is stopped and comparisons are made with earlier parades. The shorter the time, the better the spring. Spring is thus welcomed.
Children’s parade
On Sunday the children’s parade will take place. Children can choose costumes from past times and participate in the parade. For many children this is a highlight and an unforgettable experience.
Sechseläuten
The guild members gather already at noon in their regular guild pubs. We secure a suitable place so that we can have a good view of the procession and take pictures. The streets along the procession are festively decorated. Punctually at 15:00 o’clock the procession begins.
The Böögg
Shortly before 6:00 pm, everyone gathers around the pyre with the Böögg on the Sechseläutenplatz. Tip to all who want to be there: Go early so you can find a good spot. It will be tight. At 6:00 p.m. the first torch lights a log in the pile. I’m excited, because from now on the bets are on! ‘How will the summer of 2022?’ Now the head of the Böögg is off! The jury will compare the data with previous years. The exact evaluation is always a little long in coming. I am curious.
The faster the Böögg’s head explodes, the better the summer will be.
Time 2022: 37 minutes 59 seconds. Unfortunately, not a good sign for this summer.
You can roast sausages around the pyre, when the big parade is over. An unofficial experience that has become customary over the years. The crowd is too big for us and we slowly make our way home.
Now the celebration for the guilds begins, they visit each other in their guild halls.
The Sechseläuten is not only an attraction for the people of Zurich. Also for tourists it is a colorful festival that will certainly remain in good memory.
The OllO World team wishes you a nice day.
OllO World website
With the link you can go to the OllO World website. Here you can view the colorful pins. You can search for places by using keywords. The website has been adapted to all mobile phones, so you can search for trips on the go.
OllO World App
With the OllO World iPhone App you can also add your own pins. Who has not downloaded it yet? Click here for the link.
You might also like this trip to the St. Peter’s Island.
