Sankt-Nikolaus Celebration

Description

HISTORY: In Freiburg, the Nikolaus festival is deeply rooted in local tradition. In the late afternoon, Saint Nicholas rides through the streets on a donkey and distributes gingerbread to children with his Schmutzlis. At the end of the parade, he highlights the events of the past year in a speech. Besides the parade, a market is held where sweets and crafts are offered. The Holy Nikolaus, who in the 4th century distinguished himself as Bishop of Myra (in present-day Turkey) through his charity, is considered the patron saint of sailors and children. He is one of the most popular folk saints in both the morning and evening lands and the patron saint of the city and canton of Freiburg. PARADE: After dark, at 5 p.m., Saint Nicholas departs from Kollegium St. Michael on his donkey Babalou to greet and bless the crowd. He is accompanied by the Schmutzlis and his entire troupe (donkey drivers, cantor, bishop's staff bearer, butcher). Throughout the route, he distributes gingerbread. To the sounds of the choirs of St. Michael, Les Marmousets, Les Enchanteurs, the piper, and the music society of Kollegium St. Michael, he heads towards the cathedral. From the balcony of the cathedral, he speaks to the gathered crowd in French and German. His speech reflects on the events of the past year. The parade traditionally starts at 5:00 p.m. The speech begins around 6:00 p.m. A large screen broadcasts it live at Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. The route: Kollegium St. Michael - Romontgasse - Lausannegasse - Rue du Pont Muré - stop at the cathedral - speech - then back through Lausannegasse to Kollegium.

Highlights

• Traditional parade with Saint Nicholas on a donkey
• Gingerbread distribution to children
• Nikolaus's speech in French and German

General Information

The Sankt-Nikolaus celebration in Freiburg takes place on the first weekend of December and is deeply rooted in local tradition. The parade starts at 5 p.m. and is accompanied by choirs, while Nikolaus distributes gingerbread and delivers a speech.

Location

Place Jean Tinguely 1, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

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