Zibelemärit

The Zibelemärit (Bernese German for “Onion Market”) is the largest market in Bern, Switzerland. It happens on the fourth Monday in November each year. Many people from Switzerland and nearby countries come to enjoy this market during the time just before Christmas. It is a special event that brings together lots of visitors to celebrate and shop for fun gifts and treats.

History

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

A popular story says the market is much older, starting after a fire in Bern in 1405. According to this tale, farmers from nearby areas, especially Fribourg, helped clean up and were allowed to sell their produce in the city. However, historical evidence shows that an autumn market was officially started in 1439, and 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 from the area sell onion braids, wreaths, and onion-shaped decorations. You can also enjoy foods like Zwiebelkuchen (onion pie), Zwiebelsuppe (onion soup), Zwiebelpizza, and bratwurst with onions. A warm drink called mulled wine is popular too. Other treats include roasted almonds, Magenbrot, and cotton candy.

The market starts early in the morning at 6:00 and goes until evening at 18:00, though some selling begins even earlier at 4:00. 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 called the "Konfettischlacht" that everyone enjoys. Usually, around 50,000 kilograms of onions are sold, but in 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were fewer stalls and visitors, with only about 20,000 kilograms of onions available.