Zibelemärit 2024: onion braids, cheese and mulled wine

6:21 a.m

The Mattequartier was awarded the Bäredräck 2024 at the Berner Zibelemärit on Monday. The Bärentrust jury honored a lively, creative and community-engaged neighborhood, as stated in a press release.

The mat is more than just a geographical location. “It is a community in which neighbors stand up for each other and creative minds come together.” For many years, the residents have been committed to their neighborhood and the preservation of traditional institutions.

At a time when many neighborhoods are affected by urban restructuring, the Matte has retained its own charm and authenticity. The board of directors of Matte-Leist was invited to the Schweizerhof to present the award by the mayor Alec von Graffenried – on behalf of the entire district. (SDA)

Guenaël Köpplin accepted the award. “We got a lot of dirt on the mat, but this dirt is something positive.” The Matte-Leist President meant that there had already been some flooding in their area. Köpplin didn’t want to be alone on stage and asked the other “Mättelers” to come on stage too. There were so many of them that they practically didn’t fit into the picture. Only Rosmarie Bernasconi refused to be persuaded; she was busy behind the camera herself so that she could capture this historic moment. (cla)

The Bäredräck has been awarded since 1985. With the award, the Bear Trust honors people who have achieved extraordinary things in Bern’s cultural and social life. (SDA)

Lorenz Furrer opens the award ceremony

Lorenz Furrer from the Bärentrust, which awards the Bäredräck, opened the award ceremony with the words: “We award the prize to people who enrich Bern. And I’m not talking about enrichment because of Sunday’s elections.” He got a lot of laughs from the audience, who had already turned up in large numbers at Maximilian von Reden’s Hotel Schweizerhof. Speaking of which: the hotel manager was conspicuous by his absence because he was staying out of the country. (cla)

Alec von Graffenried gives the laudation

The mayor and newly elected local councilor Alec von Graffenried gave the laudatory speech. «I feel very close to the award winner. When I open the windows in the Erlacherhof, I look at it.” Of course, he meant the Mattequartier, whose residents and business owners were awarded the prize this year. Despite a short night, von Graffenried had prepared an exuberant speech: “The Matte is the Montparnasse of Bern, with all the creative people who help each other and stand up for each other.” (cla)