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How the Swiss say goodbye to winter.
CULTURE EVENTS18 March 2025, by Discover Countryside Geneva
The tradition of burning the 'Bonhomme Hiver' (Winter Man) dates back to regions with long winters. It serves as a symbolic farewell to the cold season and a celebration of the warmer days ahead.
Widely practiced in countries where winter lasts for months, the Bonhomme Hiver tradition involves people letting go of the chill by offering a rag doll, symbolizing winter, to the flames.
This custom involves creating a figure, often resembling a snowman, and setting it alight in a communal bonfire.
According to the myth, the faster the head of the "Böögg" (Winterman) explodes, the hotter the summer will be!
Widely practiced in countries where winter lasts for months, the Bonhomme Hiver tradition involves people letting go of the chill by offering a rag doll, symbolizing winter, to the flames.
This custom involves creating a figure, often resembling a snowman, and setting it alight in a communal bonfire.
According to the myth, the faster the head of the "Böögg" (Winterman) explodes, the hotter the summer will be!
WATCH THE FESTIVITIES AROUND THE CANTONThe commune of Bernex is hosting its first Bonhomme Hiver on Saturday 22 March from 3pm to 9pm on the Esplanade du Signal de Bernex. There will be a variety of activities, workshops and games to delight all visitors.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Confignon will burn their Winter Man in the grounds of Cressy School on Friday 21 March. The event will take place from 7pm to 9pm. There will be refreshments available on site.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Grand-Saconnex will hold their celebration in the Parc du Château on Friday 21 March from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, where there will be entertainment and refreshments on site.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Meyrin will host their festivities in Jardin Robinson on Saturday 22 March from 2pm to 9pm. Expect music and other entertainment, as well as light refreshments on offer.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Versoix has their Winter Man Parade on Friday 21 March. The procession starts at 4.45pm from Ami-Argand school and the burning of the Winter Man will happen on Port-Choiseul beach. There will be entertainment and music, refreshments, and snacks offered to all children.
For more information, click here (in French).
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Confignon will burn their Winter Man in the grounds of Cressy School on Friday 21 March. The event will take place from 7pm to 9pm. There will be refreshments available on site.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Grand-Saconnex will hold their celebration in the Parc du Château on Friday 21 March from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, where there will be entertainment and refreshments on site.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Meyrin will host their festivities in Jardin Robinson on Saturday 22 March from 2pm to 9pm. Expect music and other entertainment, as well as light refreshments on offer.
For more information, click here (in French).
The commune of Versoix has their Winter Man Parade on Friday 21 March. The procession starts at 4.45pm from Ami-Argand school and the burning of the Winter Man will happen on Port-Choiseul beach. There will be entertainment and music, refreshments, and snacks offered to all children.
For more information, click here (in French).
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