SECHSELÄUTEN: THE BURNING SNOWMAN…
Everything is better when you add fresh flowers…
On Monday afternoon the streets of central Zurich were taken over by a parade of the guilds – complete with old-fashioned outfits, marching bands, lots of beer, plus old men throwing candy and fish (?!). Apparently it’s the sort of cheesy traditional event that you should only go to once but, quite honestly, I love it. The weather has been RUBBISH recently and, even though it was freezing and raining, it was totally inspirational to see the entire city covered in flowers. There’s a strange exchange of flowers between people in the parade and people watching… it eventually ends with handfuls of gorgeous floral arrangements being handed out to any kid that shouts loud enough at the person passing by – next year I’m bringing a fog horn.
They might be old-fashioned costumes but I loved seeing all the outfits in the parade. There were some amazing hats and the shoes with buckles reminded me of the Miu Miu AW12 collection (yumm – buckle bows). Loads of people wore necklaces with big pretzels attached to the end… I’m thinking this is something I should start including in my daily look.
Ah yes, that’s some Swiss beer with a flower and next to it is the böögg. The böögg is a snowman that’s been stuffed with explosives. Bizarre, right? Everyone gathers around and watches as a fire gradually moves up towards the snowman, waiting for the head to explode. #TotesBizarre – the faster it explodes the better the summer is meant to be. This year it took 12 minutes and 7 seconds – not too bad.
Come on summer, I’m ready for you.
I love this post, i’d really like to visit Zurich.
Flowers are my favourite thing too x
What’s up mamasita? Tagged your blog today! It’s one of my top 3 favorites btw. Love it. http://mydalydose.blogspot.com/2012/04/of-streetstyle_18.html
Ohhhhhhhh my goodness. What an amazing amazing tradition!!! Remind me to come to Zurich in April next year. Now, of course, I’m CRAVING a Swiss pretzel with butter…MMM! Excellent photos as always!!! xoxo
Cool!!! The flowers are soooooo pretty!
Omg that burning snowman is hysterical! Gotta love cultures that have just a little bit of nutso underneath a pristine surface. I have to say, living in Spain too, one of my favorite things is the sheer amount of holidays where everyone, of all ages, thinks it’s totally normal and natural to dress in traditional costumes and hit the streets. It happens a lot here. I think it’s bizarre and fascinating and super fun.
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
These pictures are incredible! Despite the weather being so miserable, the colours are so vivid and vibrant. The burning snowman is so random!
Wow this is an interesting tradition, we have nothing but the royal parade in London. I love the dolls in their drums…cute, the tulips are fat looking compare to here. I wanna come to Zurich.
Okay… So this is absolutely bizarre! And wacky! And colourful! And I LOVE IT!!! Ps, I really hope the summer is fab, too. Even if a snowman died for the cause…
I really love that shot of the Swiss beer can peeking out of the pocket with flowers – it’s brilliant!
the carvinal looks crazy fun, never been to anything like this. closest i’ve come in the disney parade ha. the head blows off, cripes! sounds dark but it totally blasts winter away
Absolutely love this picture and your blog. Your photos are amazing! What kind of camera do you use?
this looks lovely
I adore your photos of flowers. so vivid and beautiful 
My favorite holiday in the world. Last year the snowman predicted a good summer and it was fantastic. I believe everyone should visit Zurich in April for this.
Beautiful!