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A person in a traditional mask in a parade at night, surrounded by spectators, creates a mysterious and culturally rich atmosphere.

Achetringele Laupen

Loud, louder, Achetringele. Traditionally, the evil spirits are driven out of the small town of Laupen with a lot of noise and frightening masks just before New Year. This year is particularly special: the Achetringele has already taken place 100 times.
31December2024
TOP-EVENT

On New Year's Eve, a procession of wild figures winds its way through the alleyways of Laupen. As custom would have it, the young «Bäsemanne» (broom men) lead the way, equipped with long-handled juniper brooms and «gfürchige» (scary) wooden masks. The «Glöggeler», dressed in white, swing bells and pranksters through the air and the ‘Blaateremannli’ carry air-filled pig's bladders. At five selected squares in the town, including Läubliplatz and Bärenplatz, the leader recites a rhymed New Year's verse including a New Year's wish. After the parade, the masks are removed and the chase with the inflated ‘Söiblatere’ (pig bladders) can begin. The noisy spectacle is difficult to describe – and is best experienced first-hand.

To the event

Evil spirits have been driven out of Laupen in this way for 100 years now. The origins of the «Achetringele» - which means «ringing down» - probably lie in the Germanic winter solstice celebrations. The custom was once used to drive away evil spirits, but today it is a popular and entertaining festival. The contradiction between today's civilised procession and the wild chase of the past points to the long-standing development of the custom.

If you would like to see the traditional procession for yourself, take a trip to Laupen on 31 December. The procession starts at 20:00 at Laupen Castle.