Fete d'Escalade!
This is a description of one of the annual celebrations that happened here recently. The youngest and oldest staff member smashed our chocolate marmite. Chocolates and mulled wine was had by all!
On December 11 and December 12, 1602, the forces of the Duke of Savoy, launched an attack on the city-state of Geneva. The troops marched along the Arve River just outside the walls of Geneva, at 2 o'clock in the morning.
According to legend, Catherine Cheynel, originally from Lyons and the wife of Pierre Royaume, ("Mère Royaume"), a mother of 14 children, seized a large cauldron of hot soup and poured it on the attackers from where she lived just above the town gate. The heavy cauldron landed on the head of a Savoyard attacker, killing him. The commotion helped to rouse the townsfolk to defend the city. After the defeat, Duke of Savoy was obliged to accept a lasting peace. 
Celebrations and other commemorative activities are usually held on December 11 or the closest weekend. A large marmite (cauldron) made of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables and candies wrapped in the Geneva colors of red and gold. It's customary for the eldest and youngest in the room to smash the marmite, while reciting, "Ainsi périssent les ennemis de la République! " (Thus perish the enemies of the Republic).
Since 1978 there has been another element to the celebration of the Escalade, with a road running event being held the weekend preceding the night of the 11th. The run traditionally starts in the parc des Bastions and goes through the Old City of Geneva, before finishing near the start again.
On December 11 and December 12, 1602, the forces of the Duke of Savoy, launched an attack on the city-state of Geneva. The troops marched along the Arve River just outside the walls of Geneva, at 2 o'clock in the morning.The original plan was to send commandos to open the gate and let the troops in. The Geneva citizens defeated them by preventing them from scaling the wall (climb in French is escalade). The night guard Jacques Mercier raised the alarm, church bells were rung, and the Genevois people were alerted and fought alongside their town militia. The 2000-plus mercenaries were beaten.
According to legend, Catherine Cheynel, originally from Lyons and the wife of Pierre Royaume, ("Mère Royaume"), a mother of 14 children, seized a large cauldron of hot soup and poured it on the attackers from where she lived just above the town gate. The heavy cauldron landed on the head of a Savoyard attacker, killing him. The commotion helped to rouse the townsfolk to defend the city. After the defeat, Duke of Savoy was obliged to accept a lasting peace. Celebrations and other commemorative activities are usually held on December 11 or the closest weekend. A large marmite (cauldron) made of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables and candies wrapped in the Geneva colors of red and gold. It's customary for the eldest and youngest in the room to smash the marmite, while reciting, "Ainsi périssent les ennemis de la République! " (Thus perish the enemies of the Republic). Other traditions include mulled wine, a large serving of soup, and children dressing up and singing for money.
Since 1978 there has been another element to the celebration of the Escalade, with a road running event being held the weekend preceding the night of the 11th. The run traditionally starts in the parc des Bastions and goes through the Old City of Geneva, before finishing near the start again.
posted by Captain Nemo at 10:53 am
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