L’ Escalade means a lot to the citizens of Geneva; even though it’s not Switzerland’s national day, it symbolizes Swiss nationalism. History has it that on the night of December 12 1602, enemies attempted to attack the city of Geneva, an initiative spearheaded by the Duke of Savoy of France.
The attempt was thwarted, thanks to the relentless efforts of the citizens of Geneva and, of course, the legend of Madame Royaume, who emptied a cauldron of soup over soldiers from savoy, making a valuable contribution in defense of the city.
Parades and Chocolate Pots
In the weeks leading to the festival, Geneva comes alive. Parades representing the momentous event commemorate the victory with the sounds of drums and pipes, not to forget the hordes of horseback riders and historical characters dressed in medieval costumes marching throughout the city’s streets.
Demonstrations of torchlight and canon fire are also held. This year marks the 420th anniversary of the event. Locals cannot resist the urge to replicate the famous soup cauldron used by Madame Royaume to pour hot soup on the attackers. The cauldron, commonly called marmite in French, symbolizes the festival.
Chocolate stores and shops abound in cauldrons made from exquisite Swiss chocolate to delight the young and old alike. As the locals would tell you, l’Escalade would be incomplete without tasting the chocolate-filled marzipan cauldrons.
The chocolate pots became part of the festivities early in the 1880s. Legend has it that the oldest and youngest members of a family or group of friends must break the pot together by stomping on it while yelling a nationalistic epithet in French, declaring that the republic’s enemies have perished.
The chocolate cauldrons decorated with the coat of arms of Geneva are sold everywhere, even in grocery stores, not just high-end shops. Over the three days leading to the festival, residents of Geneva usually celebrate by treating themselves to soup, wine, and of course, the all-time favorite Swiss chocolate marzipan cauldron. Several chocolate shops in Geneva, including Auer chocolatier and famous names like Sprungli, Du Rhone Chocolatier, and others sell the chocolate cauldrons.
A Chance to Celebrate
Children especially find the festival amusing; they dress up in medieval costumes and knock on neighbours’ doors, singing Escalade-themed songs in return for candy and chocolates, a tradition reminiscent of Halloween. Schoolchildren often prepare soup at school and serve it to their parents as part of the celebrations.
Wherever you go in Geneva, you are surrounded by replicas of chocolate cauldrons at every twist and turn. From the most famous chocolate stores of the old town to the alleys and corner stores of Rue du Molard. When you purchase a chocolate cauldron, a proceed is donated to the historical society of Geneva and the official organizers of the festival.
This year, the old town is hosting a commemoration of l’Escalade with 800 costumed volunteers marching on foot and horseback. The parade will depart from Parc des Bastions all the way to the old town at 5:00 pm local time.
Geneva has no shortage of summer and winter festivals. When the Swiss celebrate l’ Escalade, you will get a glimpse of the Swiss culture, thanks to thousands of elegantly decorated chocolate cauldrons, firework displays, and splendid views of the brightly lit Lake Geneva. After all, the most important way to learn about a country’s rich heritage is to immerse yourself in its cultural traditions and festivals.
