The traditional Sechseläuten parade (Zürich)

Sechseläuten is a quintessential Zürich experience which should not be missed.

To outsiders, this spring festival is best described as a kind of Groundhog Day with camels, a parade of men in medieval costume on horseback, and a snowman whose head explodes.

Sunday marks the traditional Sechseläuten children's parade:

And Monday is a city wide holiday.

(Photograph copyright Cloudia Chen)

Most workers are off after 2 PM for the parade. The "Parade of Guilds" features up to 3500 men and women in traditional costumes, as well as the before-mentioned camels and horses.

At 6 PM sharp, the bonfire topped by a snowman will be lit on fire and the count is on: How long will it take for the head to explode? The shorter, the better the expected weather conditions for summer.

(Photograph copyright Cloudia Chen)

After the guilds have completed the traditional part of the festival, the locals will meet up at the bonfire in front of the opera house for a down-to-earth tradition: The "common people" of Zürich will BBQ sausages in the gigantic fire and have a drink.

More about the Sechseläuten tradition