New Year 2025 tradition Achetringele (Swiss Stories 2025, by Anthony Anex) - Swiss Press Award

The young "Baesemanne" (broom men), equipped with long-handled juniper brooms, scary wooden masks and air-filled pig bladders "Soeiblaatere", during the 101th traditional "Achetringele" procession, in Laupen, Switzerland, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Residents of Laupen, Switzerland mark the 101th New Year's Eve with "Achetringele". Bells, brooms, pig bladders, and eerie masks drive away evil spirits in a festive procession starting from Laupen Castle. The leader announces New Year's wishes, followed by a chaotic chase with inflated pig bladders. Originating a century ago, the parade features masks crafted in 1924, and its roots may date back to the Germanic Julfest. "Achetringele" means "ring down," symbolizing the banishment of the old year. Traditional juniper brooms are believed to ward off demons. (KEYSTONE/Anthony Anex)