October 8, 2006
Switzerland in fall: Zibelemärit, Gansabhauet, Bénichon, Räbechilbi
Here are some ideas for visiting Switzerland in the fall, when some interesting festivals are held:
Zibelemärit is switzerland's most famous market. Zibelemärit takes place in Berne on the fourth Monday in November. Literally, "onion market", Zibelemärit revolves around onion tartlets, onion soups, onion quiches, onion sausages and other onion products. The Zibelemärit culminates in the Konfettischlacht (confetti fight) at 4 p.m.
Gansabhauet takes place on November 11 every year. Sursee in canton Lucerne draws many spectators to the front of the town hall. People of any age, armed with a rough saber, try to sever the neck of a dead goose dangling from a rope. Participants are blindfolded under a mask depicting an enormous sun and are dressed in red coats.
Bénichon (from "benir" meaning "to bless") in canton Fribourg is arguably the most popular Thanksgiving festival in Switzerland. Locals and visitors thank God for a good harvest before eating and dancing together. Similar sentiments surround Sännechilbi in Küssnacht, canton Lucerne, and Älperchilbi in Stans, canton Niedwald. Yodelling, dances, masses, songs, parades featuring adorned cows, and the waving of flags are just as much a part of these Thanksgiving festivities as culinary gifts like coffee-kirsch and "Nidle" (Sännechilbi) or dried fruit (Älperchilbi).
Räbechilbi (Richterswil's turnip fair) marks the transition from fall to winter. This consists of a mid-November parade featuring an average of 25 tons of turnip lamps (hollowed-out large white turnips decorated with ornaments). This rural tradition takes place in the dark on the second Saturday in November in the village of Richterswil on Lake Zurich. Turnip lamps are also used to decorate the town's buildings during Räbechilbi.
Posted by James Trotta at October 8, 2006 12:04 AM | TrackBack
Don't forget the "Foire au Lard" (Bacon market) in Martigny-Bourg! The farmers of the whole region come down to the valley and sell their bacon, sausages, ham and cheese.
Not to forget either the wonderfull small museum in Martigny "Fondation Gianadda", at the moment with an expostion of 50 masterpieces of European masters on loan from the Metropolitan of New York. The museum is build on foundations of an old Roman temple which are visible inside the museum and throughout the garden.
Foire au Lard is quite a name - sounds like a meat lover's dream!
Posted by: James Trotta at October 10, 2006 7:52 PM