2Fête de l’Escalade, Switzerland
Geneva’s Fête de l’Escalade is a December festival steeped in history and local pride. It commemorates the city’s victory in 1602 over the Duke of Savoy’s attempted invasion. The name “Escalade” refers to the ladders used by the attackers to scale Geneva’s walls, which the citizens heroically defended.
The celebration includes historical reenactments, processions with lanterns, and the smashing of chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables—a tribute to the legendary act of a local woman who poured boiling soup on invading soldiers. Locals dress in 17th-century costumes, and the streets of Geneva come alive with music and storytelling.
Fête de l’Escalade combines history, tradition, and winter cheer, making it a unique and meaningful festival that celebrates the resilience of the Geneva community.
