Every year since 1926, the Compagnie de 1602 has organized the celebration commemorating the Escalade, the miraculous deliverance of Geneva that took place on the night of December 11/12, 1602. The occasion is marked by three days of events, during which the Compagnie recreates life as it was at the end of the 17th century in the old town and the cathedral area. The celebrations are brought to a close on Sunday evening, with a historical procession that paints a vivid picture of the people of Geneva at the time of the Escalade. Five times the procession gathers around the herald, who, in a loud, clear voice, invites Genevans and visitors alike to recall that memorable night during which the city’s population won a lasting peace. (...)
In 1602, the Duke of Savoy's troops met with resistance from the people of Geneva. More than 400 years later, the city continues to celebrate this event for an entire weekend. From Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2014, Fête de l'Escalade gives the city a new look with parades, traditions and bonfires. You are very welcome to celebrate one of the oldest traditions in Geneva!
Compagnie 1602: + 41 (22) 312 37 39 - info@1602.ch
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The week-end when the Escalade is celebrated, the Compagnie 1602 proposes all sorts of fantastic attractions and interesting historical discoveries for our children as well as for us. The story is quite simple: Geneva was woken up in the middle of the night between the 11th and the 12th of December in 1602 by the mean soldiers of the Duke of Savoy... They were trying to take the town but failed thanks to the courage and many acts of bravery of the Geneva people. The chocolate marmite is broken every year to commemorate this event because a lady (the famous Mère Royaume), who was cooking her vegetable soup, threw it all on a soldier’s head from her window… At least that’s the legend… and we’re all very happy to eat the chocolate and the marzipan veggies, even the most difficult kids I know!
The program is very, very rich (see attachment) so you can choose between trying out roasted wild boar (you’ll know whether you share Obelix’s tastes or not), admiring the historical weapons and costumes and arms firing (protect the smaller ones’ ears), see the 60 horses and their blacksmith or the games and fun specifically for the kids. As far as they are very warmly dressed, you all can stand the crowd and you remember to write your mobile number on their hand (just in case), you absolutely should take advantage of this journey which allows to go back up in time with our kids to the beginning of the 17th century.
The Historical Parade on Sunday evening is probably one of the most impressive for the younger ones, with all the horses, the drums, the armours, lights and smells of the torches... Definitely a MUST!