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:

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Multifaceted Zurich