The Switzerland Traveler

Easter is early this year, and so, therefore, is Fasnacht.
Literally, Night of the Fast, it represents time to go mad (that’s my interpretation) before the fasting period of Lent kicks in.
That’s the theory, except of course it wouldn’t be much fun if all the parties were on the same night – like you have to have at New Year. So the pragmatic Swiss arrange to have their pre-Lent festivals at slightly staggered times.
And it’s a family occasion (thus qualifying for our b5 theme day) so everybody can dress up.

Typically there will be an Umzug, or parade, for children …read more

4 Comments

When I was a child, Father Christmas, or Santa if you prefer, used to come on the night between 24th and 25th December.
But in Europe, things aren’t the same everywhere. Many countries celebrate during the evening of the 24th, and the Spanish (amongst others) celebrate the 6th of January as the day when the kings arrive.
In Switzerland, 6th December is the day that the man in red turns up.
Bearing gifts for the Children, he doesn’t sneak down the chimney, but comes through the front door. Or maybe to school.
And he doesn’t come alone. His sidekick, Schmutzli, leaves no doubt …read more

6 Comments