Zibelemärit

The Zibelemärit (Bernese German for “Onion Market”) is the biggest market in Bern, Switzerland. It takes place on the fourth Monday in November every year. Many people from Switzerland and nearby countries come to enjoy the market in the days before Christmas. It is a special event where visitors come together to celebrate and shop for fun gifts and treats.

History

Historical records show that the Zibelemärit started in the mid-1800s. At this time, onions began appearing in official documents. This happened as railway lines were built to bring onions into the city of Bern.

A popular story says the market is much older. It says it started after a fire in Bern in 1405. According to this tale, farmers from nearby areas, especially Fribourg, helped clean up. They were then allowed to sell their produce in the city. However, historical evidence shows that an autumn market was officially started in 1439. At that time, vegetables were already allowed to be sold at Bern's weekly markets.

Description

The Zibelemärit is a big market in Bern, Switzerland, where the main item sold is onions. Farmers sell onion braids, wreaths, and onion-shaped decorations. You can enjoy foods like Zwiebelkuchen (onion pie), Zwiebelsuppe (onion soup), Zwiebelpizza, and bratwurst with onions. A warm drink called mulled wine is popular. Other treats include roasted almonds, Magenbrot, and cotton candy.

The market starts early in the morning at 6:00 and goes until the evening at 18:00. The streets fill with visitors, making it feel like both a farmers’ market and a fun festival. In the afternoon, there is a confetti battle that everyone enjoys. Usually, many onions are sold, but in 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were fewer stalls and visitors.