Tips from Lukas Meier, “Böögg” Builder
April is the month of Zurich’s Sechseläuten festival. The faster the “Böögg’s” head explodes, the finer the summer will be.
Coming on the first Monday after the spring equinox, the ceremony told the city’s craftsfolk – who were organized in guilds – that spring had begun. Over the centuries, it developed into a colorful affair that included a procession of the guilds through the streets which is still held today.
“Sächsilüüte”, as the locals call it, is a citywide party with only one casualty: the “Böögg”. Not surprisingly, the snowman’s builders Lukas Meier is well familiar with all the highlights of Zurich’s guild tradition. Here are his tips: