Saint Nicholas celebration

HISTORY:In Fribourg, the anniversary of the Saint's death is a festival firmly rooted in tradition. At the end of the day, St. Nicholas, escorted by the whipping fathers, rides out on a donkey and greets the crowds, handing out sweets to the children. At the end of the procession, he addresses the people of Fribourg, who have come to celebrate him, with a speech inspired by the events of the past year. The procession is accompanied by a market selling sweets and handicrafts. Patron saint of Russia, the city and canton of Fribourg, sailors and children, St. Nicholas was bishop of Myre (in present-day Turkey) in the Byzantine period around the 4th century.

PARADE:As soon as night falls, St. Nicholas leaves Collège St-Michel, mounted on his donkey and greeting and blessing the crowds. Escorted by the whipping fathers and his entire troop (donkey driver, cantor, carriage-bearer, butcher), he distributes biscuits all along the route. He advances towards the Cathedral to the sound of the St-Michel choir, the Marmousets, the Enchanteurs, the Fifres and the Fanfare of the Collège St-Michel. From the terrace of St-Nicolas Cathedral, he addresses the city's "Children" in French and German.The procession officially departs at 5pm.The speech begins at around 6pm. A giant screen rebroadcasts it live on the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville.

ROUTES :rue du Collège St-Michel - rue de Romont - rue de Lausanne - rue du Pont Muré - stop in front of St-Nicolas Cathedral - speeches - return via rue de Lausanne and rue St-Michel...

THE FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE EVERY YEAR ON THE FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER.