Customs Federal costume festival opens in the heart of Zurich

The Federal Costume Festival 2024 opened on Friday lunchtime at Zurich Main Station: 100,000 visitors from all over Switzerland are expected to attend by Sunday.

Over the three days, traditional costumed people and city dwellers, as well as tourists from all over the world, will come together in Zurich, said OC President Max Binder. In his short welcoming speech, the former SVP National Councillor from Illnau ZH wished everyone a "happy, colorful and cozy festival".

Denise Hintermann, President of the Swiss Traditional Costume Association, spoke of a "harmonious bond and a feeling of togetherness". Maintaining traditions is not about keeping ashes, but about keeping the flame alive. This flame should shine until Sunday - the program includes one highlight after another.

Start with the Sechseläuten march

To mark the official start of the Federal Costume Festival (ETF), the city music of Zurich and tambourines played in the bustling, pulsating hall of Zurich's main railway station - starting, of course, with the Sechseläuten March.

After the two short speeches, the festive congregation, which included 26 pairs of traditional costumes from all cantons, marched from the station to St. Peter's Church. The opening procession also passed the 13-metre-high maypole on Bahnhofstrasse, which has heralded the traditional major event since mid-May.

Five festival sites, seven free stages

The ETF is a major event: the OC estimates the budget at around 4.5 million Swiss francs. There will be five different festival sites at Münsterhof, Lindenhof, Bürkliplatz, Sechseläutenplatz and in the hall of the main railway station. There are also seven free stages.

The organizers have announced that the ETF in Zurich will offer three days to experience, enjoy and participate in music and tradition. It is also intended to be a "hands-on festival" - for example, anyone interested can try their hand at flag-waving or chlefele on Bürkliplatz.

The city of Zurich is hosting the ETF, which takes place every twelve years, for the third time after 1939 and 1974. One of the many highlights of the event is the big parade on Sunday. However, the focus is also on cultural exchange at the various festival sites throughout the event.