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Achetringele Laupen
On New Year’s Eve, a loud horde of wild characters takes over the streets of Laupen. It is customary for the young «Bäsemanne» to lead the procession, equipped with long-handled juniper brooms and scary wooden masks which were produced in 1923 and have been in use every year since then. They are followed by the bell-swinging «Glöggeler» dressed all in white and the «Blaateremannli» who carry air-filled pigs’ bladders. In five designated places along the way, including Läubliplatz and Bärenplatz, the leader recites a traditional New Year’s verse and a New Year’s wish. After the procession, the masks are taken off and the chasing, which involves «Söiblaatere» (pigs’ bladders) begins, a noisy spectacle that is hard to describe – you’ve got to see it for yourself!
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The origin of Achetringele – which means something like «ringing down» – probably lies in the Germanic winter solstice celebrations. Once a wild chase to drive away evil spirits, the custom has become a popular and entertaining spectacle over the decades. This year, the event is taking place for the 101st time! You can find more photos and information end even buy Achetringele hoodies on the event’s website.
If you’d like to experience this living tradition up close, plan a trip to Laupen on 31 December. The procession starts at 8 p.m. at Laupen Castle. Important note: due to a construction site in the town centre, this year’s route will deviate slightly from the original route.
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