Torches and chocolate for a free Geneva
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
The historic Fête de l’Escalade parade through the medieval old town of Geneva is an unforgettable experience, with armoured cavalry and soldiers wielding torches evoking the defence of the city against the forces of the Duchy of Savoy in 1602.
Every December, a unique spectacle unfolds in the Parc des Bastions in front of the old city walls of Geneva. It begins with the thunder of cannon shots, and then a long procession sets off, moving towards the old town. The procession includes riders with sabres in iron armour, drummers beating their drums and soldiers bearing lances and torches. Before long, the narrow streets of Geneva’s old town are filled with fire, smoke and trumpet fanfares, with thousands walking alongside the parade or watching the spectacle from the wayside. The narrow streets are illuminated by the torches and the light from lanterns carried by children. The procession comes to an end on the large square in front of the monumental Saint Pierre Cathedral, where a final proclamation is read out and a huge bonfire lit. The choir sings of Geneva’s victory over the Savoyard army and the city’s independence.
The events that inspire the Fête de l’Escalade are both tragic and heroic. On 11 December 1602, Geneva was attacked by the troops of the Duchy of Savoy. Thanks to the fierce resistance of Geneva’s citizens, however, the attackers did not manage to breach the city walls and were instead forced to retreat. According to the lore, a certain Mère Royaume was cooking a large pot of vegetable soup during the raid and acted heroically by pouring the hot stew over the city wall onto the attackers, preventing them from climbing up. To this day, it is still tradition in Geneva to smash the “Marmite en Chocolat de l’Escalade” (a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan sweets in the shape of vegetables) with family and friends and eat it together.
The parade takes place each year on the Sunday closest to 11 December.
Further information:
Compagnie de 1602
www.1602.ch
General information
| Time required |
2 to 4 hours (half day)
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|---|---|
| Suitable for |
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
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| Weather |
Outdoor
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Contact
Genève Tourisme
Rue du Mont-Blanc 18
1201
Genève
Phone
+41 (0)22 909 70 00
info@geneve.com
geneve.com
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