Zibelemärit

Zibelemärit in Bern

The Zibelemärit (Bernese German for “Onion Market”) is the largest market in Bern, Switzerland.[1] It takes place on the fourth Monday in November. It is widely attended in Switzerland and neighbouring countries in the pre-Christmas period.[1]

History

Historical records indicate that the Zibelemärit dates back to the mid-19th century, when onions first appeared in official documents during the period when railway lines were constructed from the growing regions into the city.[2]

A popular legend claims that the market is much older, originating after a fire devastated Bern in 1405. According to the tale, farmers from nearby areas, especially Fribourg, helped with the cleanup and were rewarded with the right to sell their produce in the city.[2] However, historical evidence shows that an autumn market was only formally introduced in 1439, and vegetables were already permitted for sale at Bern's weekly markets.[2]

Description

As the name suggests, onions are the main products sold at the Zibelemärit. Bernese farmers offer decorative onion braids, wreaths, and figurines, along with a range of onion-based foods such as Zwiebelkuchen (onion pie), Zwiebelsuppe (onion soup), Zwiebelpizza, and bratwurst with onions, with mulled wine being a common beverage choice.[3] Visitors can also find traditional fair treats such as roasted almonds, Magenbrot, and cotton candy.[3]

The Zibelemärit officially begins at 6:00 in the morning and ends at 18:00, though the first sales often take place as early as 4:00.[1] Throughout the day, the streets of Bern’s old town are filled with thousands of visitors, combining elements of a farmers’ market and a folk festival.[3] A confetti battle, known as the "Konfettischlacht", takes place in the afternoon as part of the festivities.[4]

The market attracts tens of thousands of visitors, with around 50,000 kilograms of onions typically sold. However, the 2021 event saw reduced stalls and attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only about 20,000 kilograms available and a one-third reduction in the number of stands.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Zibelemärit". City of Bern. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Der Zibelemärit in Bern (BE)". Schweiz Tourismus. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Zibelemärit (Zwiebelmarkt)". Schweiz Tourismus. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Tausende strömen an den Berner Zibelemärit". Swissinfo. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Zibelemärit: weniger Zwiebeln, weniger Stände, weniger Leute". Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF). 22 November 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
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