This week, I will tell you about my favorite celebration that is unique to the city of Geneva: l'Escalade (the climb)! In celebration of a war victory from 1602, the city prepares for weeks for a huge parade and city-wide running event. Families gather to share a special meal, along with a soup pot made out of chocolate.
My favorite part of this tradition is how the whole city is so enthusiastic. Let me tell you more about l'Escalade!
L'Escalade takes place on December 11th of each year in the canton of Geneva. On the 11th, families spend time together with a celebratory dinner of vegetable soup. For dessert, a big marmite (cauldron) of chocolate is filled with candies wrapped in red and gold, which are the colors of the canton's flag. The chocolate pot is also filled with fruits and vegetables made out of marzipan, a dough made of sugar and almonds. The oldest and the youngest people in the family join hands and break the chocolate cauldron while saying the words "Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République! " (Thus perished the enemies of the Republic).
L'Escalade also includes a parade in which young children dress up in historical costumes and walk around Old Town Geneva singing Escalade songs.
