Be Young Have Fun - Go Burn a Böögg
The long standing tradition is what’s known as the burning of Böögg (which could mean Bogey man). The Böögg head is filled with fireworks and then it is burned at six o'clock, depending on how long it takes to burn and the head to explode determines how long or short the winter or summer will be. The longer it takes to burn the longer the winter will be.
Held the day before the main parade (usually on Sunday), the Kinderumzug (The Children's Parade) is a delightful procession involving thousands of schoolchildren from Zürich and the surrounding area. The children also wear traditional costumes, which is a family favorite.
The origins date back to medieval times when the guilds ruled Zürich (after 1336, with the Brun’s Guild Constitution).
The festival as we know it began to take shape in the 19th century, combining older traditions of burning winter effigies with the civic pride of Zürich's guilds.
The participants of the parade represent medieval professions such as blacksmiths, bakers, tailors, weavers, and merchants. Wearing elaborate, historically accurate costumes and carry banners, tools of their trade, or guild emblems.