Something's Always Going On

Something's Always Going On

If you see an elephant wandering around the streets of Zürich, don't worry: it just means the circus is in town. In the winter months, a series of circuses -- with acrobats, fire-eaters, and lion tamers -- travels throughout the country in red-and-white caravans, each stopping along the way in Zürich. In addition to the usual opera, theater, and concert seasons, the city holds a variety of events throughout the year.

One of Zürich's most important festivals is Sächsilüüte, a kind of Groundhog Day in which descendents of medieval guild members circle a burning snowman until its head blows off (how long this takes determines whether spring will come early or late). The annual debate has become almost as interesting as the event itself, as the male-only guilds refuse to let women participate.

When spring finally arrives, so does Jazznojazz, with jazz musicians playing at venues all over town. Summer is time for Christopher Street Day, a huge celebration of gay pride. Even if you don't speak German, you should still attend the Theater Spektakel, a two-week outdoor theater festival, for the excellent food. Sensuous dancing marks the nine days of Tangowoche, while techno music is the sound track for the lovefest called Street Parade.

Fall arrives with the Lange Nacht der Museen, when museums leave their doors open all night. Knabenschiessen, a country fair held on the outskirts of the city, lets youngsters test their aim at shooting competitions. Toward the end of the year is Expovina, a wine exhibition held on boats moored at Bürkliplatz, and then there's that elephant again.