l'escalade 2011

Someone told me that Geneva would be turned upside down during Escalade weekend, and it proved to be an accurate statement.  Friday-to-Monday, the weekend was packed with activities and traditions.

There was a big costume-boum for teenagers in the Parc des Bastions on Escalade Friday, 

called the Picoulet, notorious for egg and flour throwing.    

There were scores of 17th century demonstrations all over the Old City. 

Aoife tries her hand at horseshoes.

Hot beverages and vegetable soup (see why in post to follow) were sold wherever we turned. 

Chocolat chaud.

Vin chaud.

Soupe chaude.

And lots of just hanging out in period costume, which was pretty entertaining in itself.  

The Swiss schedule with precision, but I didn't have a master plan on me, so the tambour marching bands touring the streets kept taking us by surprise.  

Here was the best one, which rounded a corner as Aoife and I were strolling, 

nearly alone, on an Old City hill.  With squinting eyes, it was 1602.

The whole affair culminated, as it does every year, with an enormous procession of people (and horses!) in 17th century garb organized and cast by the Compagnie de 1602 on Sunday night.  

The procession ends with a bonfire in front of the Cathedral at the top of the hill.  

Our own evening culminated with the breaking of a soup pot.