Children’s Parade
Spectators can watch thousands of costumed children and youth marching through the streets, throwing candy and flowers.
~2:30
Guild Parade & Burning of the Böögg
Sechseläuten
Zurich, Switzerland
Apr 20, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each April, the city of Zurich welcomes spring with Sechseläuten, when its historic guilds parade through the old town in costume on horseback. The climax is the burning of the Böögg, a great snowman effigy stuffed with fireworks, whose head explodes to tell, by how fast it burns, what kind of summer lies ahead.
Key moments
Böögg Pyre Burning
Crowds gather around the pyre to watch the Böögg burn. After the explosion, people often celebrate with an impromptu barbecue over the remaining embers.
~6:00
Where it happens
Sechseläutenplatz
Zurich, Switzerland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Arrive before peak flow
Stand in designated areas during parades, do not wander onto parade route, respect guild ce...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Guild Parade & Burning of the Böögg
Sechseläuten
Zurich, Switzerland
Each April, the city of Zurich welcomes spring with Sechseläuten, when its historic guilds parade through the old town in costume on horseback. The climax is the burning of the Böögg, a great snowman effigy stuffed with fireworks, whose head explodes to tell, by how fast it burns, what kind of summer lies ahead.
AnchorCultural anchor
Apr 20, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
The tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Zurich's City Council fixed the first Monday after the vernal equinox as the start of longer summer work hours (signaled by ringing the six o'clock bells). The name "Sechseläuten" literally means "six o'clock ringing". In the late 19th century the burning of the Böögg was incorporated, symbolizing the driving out of winter.
Key moments to know
~2:30Expected
Children’s Parade
Spectators can watch thousands of costumed children and youth marching through the streets, throwing candy and flowers.
~6:00Expected
Böögg Pyre Burning
Crowds gather around the pyre to watch the Böögg burn. After the explosion, people often celebrate with an impromptu barbecue over the remaining embers.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Arrive before peak flow
Stand in designated areas during parades, do not wander onto parade route, respect guild ceremonies.
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Apr 20, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Zurich
Zürich (German-speaking Switzerland)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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