Oyé citoyens – Genevois, Genevoises, Friends of Geneva, Savoyards too if you must!
Join us for an enchanting evening of tradition and togetherness as we celebrate the Escalade, Geneva’s very own piece of history.
Just as the citizens of Geneva bravely repelled an attack by the Duke of Savoy the night of 11 to 12 December 1602, we invite you to embrace the spirit of the Escalade by dressing up, as the tradition goes. This is a time to let your creativity shine!
Our event is not just about Geneva, it's about the wider European context, giving you a broader perspective on the significance of this historical event. There will be a fun costume contest, with some exciting prizes, and of course… drum roll please… the youngest and oldest present will join hands and smash the chocolate ‘marmite’ together. And we will all get to eat some!
Live music will then be played while we mingle, meet friends, reconnect with others, and make new ones. Swiss wine, nibbles, vegetable soup and of course lots of chocolate will follow.
The historic ‘livre d'or’ of the New Helvetic Society will be ‘making an appearance’ so please take a moment to contribute to our history by signing it, doodling or recounting a fun memory.
Highlights of the evening will include:
🎭 A friendly costume contest for all – dress up as you like!
📜 Experience the gripping story of the Escalade and discover its significance within a broader historical context.
🍫 Take part in the delightful tradition of breaking the chocolate cauldron (known as ‘la marmite’), a sweet homage to the past.
🍷 Raise a glass of Swiss wine to Geneva’s success in repelling the Savoyards and partake in a few nibbles.
🎷 Sing along to ‘Cé qu'è lainô’ and ‘À la belle Escalade.’ Enjoy live music while mingling.
Ticket details
- New Helvetic Society Members: £25
- Non-Members: £35
- Children under 16 attend for free
To purchase a membership, please fill out this form.
Registration
Please book your ticket by midday on Friday 21 November 2025. Kindly include children in the registration for planning purposes. Please note that tickets are non-transferable.
NB: As the event is taking place at the Embassy, kindly bring a photo ID with you.
The New Helvetic Society's Escalade Committee is very much looking forward to celebrating l'Escalade with you and to commemorating this unique historic event in Geneva's history.
On se réjouit de vous accueillir, à très bientôt! Wir freuen uns ihnen zu begrüßen. Bis bald! Vi aspettiamo, a presto!
