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An elderly woman and a girl in traditional dress work together on a historical farming activity, surrounded by an atmosphere of cultural heritage and community learning.

Brächete Zäziwil

Zäziwil: a little town in the Emmental where modernity meets tradition. On 25 September, the 2023 «Swiss Village of the Year» will be showcasing an old craft: the «Brächete» (flax breaking). A journey back in time for visitors of all ages.
25September2024
TOP-EVENT

On hot summer days, the fabric-savvy wear clothes made from linen to stay cool. Their production requires linen yarn made from the fibres of the flax plant. After harvesting, the plant is dried and the outer part of the stalk removed. This process is called «Bräche» (breaking) and is repeated until most of the stalk is separated from the fibre inside. It is also what gave the event in Zäziwil its name.

The picture shows a woman in traditional dress sifting grain with concentration. The rustic setting and the old technique convey a sense of tradition and craftsmanship in a rural, historical atmosphere.
© Brächete Zäziwil

Last year, the village of Zäziwil received a lot of attention when it was named the 2023 «Village of the Year» by the magazine «Schweizer Illustrierte» thanks to the Brächete. The event also includes a large market with over 100 stalls which takes place on the last Wednesday in September from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Further information can be found on the website.

Please note: Visitors are well taken care of: a marquee is set up especially for the event with a food stand and a bar with lots of refreshing drinks, open from 8 p.m.