Festivals in Geneva
Geneva has a host of lively festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable among them.
L'escalade
The biggest event in Geneva’s festival calendar is L'escalade on December 11 which celebrates a remarkable event in the city’s history: turning back the Duke of Savoy’s army in 1602. One story that locals love to recreate: as the army invaded Geneva, one of the local housewives poured a steaming cauldron of vegetable soup on a soldier’s head and repeatedly bopped him over the head until the soldier made a hasty retreat. Today, Genevans celebrate by eating large amounts of chocolate, not soup. The locals don period costumes and participate in processions around town which culminate in a large bonfire in front of the cathedral.
Fêtes de Genève
Held every August, this national day is celebrated over two weekends with fireworks, parades and free musical concerts. Some say this occasion features the best fireworks display in Europe every year. People have picnics all over the city and there is dancing in the streets.
Bol d'Or
This is the biggest yacht race in Europe. Every June, Lake Geneva is filled with over 600 yachts that participate in a joyous race to the end of the lake and back. The crowds cheer lustily as Lake Geneva becomes a sea of bobbing white sails.
Fête de la Musique
During three days in June, about 40 stages are set up all over Europe for a series of free musical concerts. Performers cover the gamut of musical styles, including jazz bands, chamber orchestras, punk rock, electronic music, drum and bugle bands, children’s choirs and others. The main venues for this musical extravaganza are Parc des and l'Usine.
Trente Trois Hotel
