Every year during the first weekend of December, the city of Fribourg honours its patron saint – St. Nicholas – with a special celebration.
For nothing in the world would a Fribourgeois be missing this important celebration since it is rooted in their hearts. Take part in these festivities on the first weekend of December and experience the traditions of the city of Fribourg! Procession, market, entertainment for children, concerts, distribution of biscuits and speeches from the balcony of the Cathedral. Everything will be there! Every year during the first weekend of December, the city of Fribourg honours its patron saint – St. Nicholas – with a special celebration.
In Fribourg, the celebration of St. Nicholas is firmly rooted in tradition. During the afternoon, St. Nicholas is riding through the streets on a donkey and waving to the crowd; his accompanying bogeymen hand out sweets to the children. At the end of his route, the saint holds a speech by highlighting the critical incidents of the past year. There is usually a market where traditional pastries and crafts are sold.
St. Nicholas was the fourth Century Bishop of Myra (Turkey) and was distinguished by his charity. He is considered to be the patron of sailors and children as well as one of the most popular saints in the Orient and Occident. Furthermore, he is the patron of the city and the canton of Fribourg.
OPENING OF FESTIVITIES ON FRIDAY
Meet at 6:30 pm at Collège St-Michel for a small procession with fanfare and fifes to the Fribourg Temple.
THE PROGRAMM FOR THE FESTIVE DAY ON SATURDAY :
AT THE COLLEGE ST-MICHAEL from 10am:
Artisans’ and schoolchildren’s market (55 stands)
* St. Nicholas Garden from 12:00 pm (fun trail on Belzé hill/Cour d’honneur)
* Face-painting workshop, St. Nicholas films
* Lantern workshop
* Children’s storytelling by Contemuse
* Igloo des Anciens
* St. Nicholas puppet theater
* Farm animals
* Donkey rides
* Organic chalet soup, mulled wine, cakes…
* Historical tours of the College
ST. NICHOLAS AT THE ATELIER
* St. Nicholas card exhibition with guided tours
* Giant card memory
* Around St. Nicholas
* Caritas stand
* RTS preview of “Les Enquêtes de Maëlys” episodes (in French)
LES RENDEZ-VOUS MUSICAUX :
At the Church of the Cordeliers and the Tempel
SAINT-NICOLAS’ SPEECH :
Live on TV or RTS from 6pm
LIVE on RTS1 and La Télé in the afternoon
MARKET at the Notre-Dame and Ormeaux Square:
* Crafts Market (mugs on sale)
* Carousels
PARADE:
The parade start officialy at 5 pm.
The route: St. Michael’s College – Rue St-Pierre – Rue de Romont – Rue de Lausanne – Rue du Pont Muré – stop at the St. Nicholas Cathedral – back to Rue de Lausanne and Rue St-Michel
The speech of St. Nicholas to the “children” of Fribourg is held from the terrasse of the cathedral.
ON SUNDAY :
Family day with a special program
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
On that day, buses will be free of charge in zone 10 and 11 (Frimobil) on Saturday. P+R Parking available at the entrances of the city.
