In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What does the Sechseläuten mean to you personally?

It has a very great significance for me. I love the city where I was born, raised, and where I still live. I find it wonderful that with the Sechseläuten the spring festival is celebrated every year and the associated values such as preserving tradition through historical remembrance, civic-mindedness, and the cultivation of friendships.

How did you originally become involved with the guild or the Sechseläuten?

I grew up in the city center and have attended Sechseläuten every year since childhood, watching from a ladder at the Limmatquai. Over time, my appreciation for the city and its traditions deepened. Through a business relationship, I eventually found a sponsor who introduced me to the Witikon guild.

What, in your opinion, makes Sechseläuten unique?

What is particularly unique is that during the parade, flowers can be handed to those marching past. That doesn't exist anywhere else, although it can sometimes disrupt the order of the procession. Also, many personalities from politics, sports, and show business are very keen to attend each year as guests of honor and always enjoy it greatly.

How would you explain Sechseläuten to someone who is not familiar with it?

Sechseläuten is a recurring spring festival and a firmly rooted Zurich tradition. Its significance lies in maintaining customs and its character as a public festival that creates a shared, cross-generational moment for the population.

If you had to describe Sechseläuten in three words, what would they be?

Zurich spring festival. Böögg burning. Traditional event.

How has Sechseläuten changed in recent years?

The public festival has not changed significantly. Since 1991, a different guest canton has been invited each year to present itself on the Lindenhof over four days - this did not exist before. In the past, there were occasionally themed parades, for example for the opening of ETH.

Which traditions of Sechseläuten are indispensable - and where is renewal needed?

The core elements - the children's parade, the guild procession to the bonfire, and the burning of the Böögg - are indispensable. Innovations come with the spirit of the times and through new regulations, or they emerge within the individual guilds, which are independent associations and decide themselves how they want to evolve.

How do you manage the balance between tradition and a modern event?

On the one hand, tradition should be preserved and not changed. What can evolve over time, for example, is communication. In this area, we are innovative: we now also advertise with moving images, use e-boards, adapt the website, and we are launching a mobile app this year.

What challenges are involved in organizing such a traditional event?

The event is organized and carried out every year on a voluntary basis by the ZZZ (Central Committee of the Zurich Guilds). This is a major effort and involves hundreds of volunteers, who fortunately are always willing to participate. The biggest challenge comes from constantly changing requirements that must be met in order to obtain the necessary permits.

What role does Sechseläuten play for the identity of the city of Zurich?

Sechseläuten has an appeal far beyond Zurich, reaching across Switzerland and the world. It is the city’s official spring festival, part of the annual calendar, and schoolchildren in the city have the day off. It is important that future generations understand the historical foundations on which the success of our beautiful city is built.

How do you deal with criticism or discussions surrounding Sechseläuten?

As a major event, we have to live with criticism. As long as it is constructive, we are happy to engage in discussion. If not, we are not deterred by it.

Which moments of Sechseläuten fascinate you most personally?

What fascinates me most is the great joy of all participants and visitors. Hundreds of people commit themselves every year to organizing this festival and within the guilds. What is also fascinating are the parades, with their diverse historical costumes, many horses, marching music, and guests of honor. And of course, the burning of the Böögg with its «weather forecast» for the summer.

It is said that what happens in the guilds stays in the guilds. Between us: what was the funniest thing you experienced with a guild?

During the speeches by guests of honor in the guild halls, there are sometimes very funny situations. For example, when a respected personality suddenly climbs onto a chair during their speech. Or when unexpected gifts are presented.

What kind of feedback do you receive from the public about Sechseläuten?

Consistently very positive! Feedback is reflected in the large number of visitors on site and on television, the mostly sold-out seating, people’s enjoyment of the marching music, the smiling faces, and the many flowers and greetings.

How do you see the future of Sechseläuten? And what do you wish for?

I am optimistic about the future of Sechseläuten, as it is based on Zurich’s medieval guild history and has been celebrated with parades since the mid-19th century.
I hope that Sechseläuten will continue for a long time as a firmly established traditional spring festival for the entire population and that it will continue to create sociability and emotions for different generations and participants.

Victor Rosser has been Head of Communications for Zurich’s Sechseläuten since 2015. He is Managing Director and owner of Wacker und Rosser GmbH and previously worked as an advertising consultant. Rosser studied business administration at the University of Zurich and has many years of experience in communication, marketing, and brand management