Thousands of people attended the fireworks show on the shores of Lakes Geneva and Zurich, despite the fog that entered the party. In many places across the country, New Year’s Eve was celebrated in freezing cold.
Like every year, a traditional fireworks display took place on the Quai Gustave-Ador in Geneva. In addition, concerts, bars and food trucks were on the program.
The Lausanne Christmas market Bô Noël hosted a silent party. Visitors could sway to the sound of their choice using headphones. And in Biel it was possible to skate until late at night.
Ice bath
Other events were organized in the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Circus and cruises on the lakes were notably on the menu of the festivities.
Also in the canton of Bern, the inhabitants of Laupen celebrated the custom of the “Achetringele” in its current form for the hundred and first time on New Year’s Eve. They chased away evil spirits using bells, jingle bells, juniper brooms, pig’s bladders and frightening masks, to welcome the new year.
In the canton of Bern, dozens of people dove into the cold waters of the Moossee during the New Year’s Eve swim. This tradition has been repeated every December 31 at noon since 1999.
Swiss
