Keystone-SDA
After Oceania and Asia, Switzerland entered the new year with good cheer on Wednesday at midnight. Fireworks lit up the sky in Geneva and Zurich, and parties were organized throughout French-speaking Switzerland.
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January 1, 2025 – 09:32
(Keystone-ATS) 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. Concerts, bars and special food trucks also contributed to the party.
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.
In the canton of Bern, the residents of Laupen celebrated the custom of the “Achetringele” for the 101st time. They chased away evil spirits using bells, jingle bells, juniper brooms, pig bladders and scary masks, to welcome 2025.
On the Moosseedorf-Schönbühl side, 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.
Car on fire
Police and firefighters were also mobilized. In Zufikon (AG), a Lamborghini caught fire in an underground garage, causing heavy smoke and damaging no less than 75 cars. More than a hundred firefighters had to intervene for several hours.
The Lamborghini was completely destroyed. The high heat also damaged the concrete roof.
