L'Escalade

The Escalade de Genève, L' Escalade, or Fête de l' Escalade is a festival held annually to commemorate the successful defense of the city of Geneva against Charles Emmanuel of Savoy during the night of 11 Dezemberjul. / December 21 1602greg. for 12 Dezemberjul. / December 22 1602greg .. The story is in the song Cézanne qu'è Laino, the unofficial anthem of the Republic and Canton of Geneva told.

Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 mercenaries crept under cover of darkness by the Arve Coming up to the city walls of Geneva and a small war party of about 200 men (hence the name Escalade for " climbing ") managed to climb the wall by means of two conductors.

For festival which is celebrated on December 12th since 1902 include a historical torchlight and since 1978 a city run.

One of the great symbolic figures of this festival is the Mère Royaume (Mother Royaume ), which has killed, according to legend, during the nighttime battle a Savoyard soldiers in the streets of the city in which she let fall on him off their cast-iron pot of hot soup.

This is the origin of the chocolate pot ( Marmite de l' Escalade ) be ( which is now filled with marzipan vegetables ) and the vegetable soup, which is part of this festival. Traditionally, the chocolate pot from the youngest and the oldest one of all those present will smash together after the ritual phrase " Ainsi les périssent ennemis de la république " (So the enemies of the Republic to come ) was spoken.

Representation of the Escalade by Samuel Frisching

The Escalade on a representation of the history painter Karl Jauslin