In Unterägeri, Fasnacht isn’t just a parade.
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As part of the Ägeri High Heels membership, members were invited to watch the Unterägeri Fasnacht parade together with their families, and it was one of those afternoons that remind you why local traditions matter.
Fasnacht in Unterägeri is deeply rooted in history. Beneath the music, masks, and confetti, local topics, village discussions, political debates, and moments from the past year are woven into the parade. If you know, you know; if you don't, you are wondering why. Let me help you out this year.
What makes our Unterageri Fasnacht especially special are two figures unique to Wylägeri:
The Badjöggel is the symbolic figure of Unterägeri Fasnacht and is based on Beat-Jakob Iten ab Kreuzmühle. He was the one who first brought electricity to his mill, something quite forward-thinking at the time. If you buy your bread at Kreuzmühle today, you’re standing in the middle of that history.
The Bomerhüttli Ysebäänli represents Anna Iten ab Bomerhüttli from the Hurital farm on the way up toward Wildspitz. She was well known for her daily delivery of fresh eggs to town. She was so reliable that she was compared to the SBB trains. She would deliver her eggs using a baby carriage.
Seeing these figures each year feels like local history walking right past you.
Floats That Got People Talking
The Gemeinde Building
One float featured a playful version of our local Gemeinde President spinning a wheel that had a 30 zone, no parking sign or the famous blue dots. This float was poking fun on the ongoing discussion around expanding 30 km/h zones in the village and our parking situation.
The spinning wheel on the float humorously suggested how decisions are made and how they impact residents. It was clever, local, and very recognisable.
The Ägeri “Schiff”
This past year the Ägeri ferry became electric, and Fasnacht couldn’t resist having a little fun with that.
The float showed the ferry needing to be plugged in, with men in scuba suits walking behind carrying an enormous plug. It was a light-hearted, playful commentary on modernization and green energy.
The Magnificent Schwinger Bull
One of the standout moments of the parade was the recreation of the enormous wooden bull originally built for the Eidgenössisches Schwing- und Älplerfest in Glarus in August 2025. The original sculpture, known as “Muni Max” stood an incredible 21 metres tall and became one of the most talked-about symbols of the festival. For Fasnacht, our village created its own impressive version as part of a double float: at the front, a mock Schwingen match complete with sawdust and dramatic throws; behind it, the towering bull rolling through the streets, followed by a playful nod to the crowned “king.”
What made it even better was the coordination. Even at a smaller scale, the height of the bull created challenges along the route, and the group came prepared with a long wooden pole to lift the parade bunting so it could pass. It was bold, proud, and brilliantly executed — a moving tribute to one of Switzerland’s most iconic traditions, recreated with humour and village flair right here in Unterägeri.
Betty Bossi
If you shop at Coop, you know Betty Bossi, cookbooks, recipes, and branded products everywhere. But did you know SHE DOES NOT EXIST.
With a new movie just released about Betty Bossi, the float leaned into the fascinating fact that she isn’t a real person at all, but a marketing persona created to give shoppers a friendly face to connect with. The idea of celebrating a fictional woman made for a clever parade moment.
The Confetti Bath (A Fasnacht Essential)
Not technically a float, but absolutely part of the experience. Bathtubs filled with confetti can be found alongside several floats. If chosen, you are lifted up and joyfully dropped into a mountain of confetti.
This year, my daughter was selected. Twice.
I am still finding confetti in places I didn’t know confetti could reach.
New Additions That Sparked Curiosity
The “Fur Real” Animals
This group had some of the most realistic masks I have ever seen. The fur looked so lifelike that you almost wanted to pet it.
From what I’ve read, animals in Fasnacht can symbolize the transition from winter to spring, saying goodbye to the darker season. I’m not entirely sure if that was the intention here, but the children were completely captivated.
Riding the Broom
One group selected women from the crowd and lifted them into the air on broomsticks. I’m not certain what it represented, but it definitely got attention. Glad I wasn't picked for this one.
The Men with Cowbells on their Backs
This group appeared new to me. Each mask was unique, slightly mysterious, and paired with large cowbells strapped to their backs. They moved in a very distinctive way. I don’t believe they are from our village, and I would love to know more about the tradition they represent.
If anyone knows more about the above three groups, please share them in the comments. Would love to understand these new additions.
Why Fasnacht Matters
Fasnacht isn’t just costumes and music. It is a community coming together and having some fun. It’s storytelling. It’s a tradition passed down through generations. Fasnacht is special, and we are lucky to celebrate it in our village.
And when we watch it together, families, newcomers, long-time locals, it becomes something even more meaningful. If you were there with us, thank you for sharing the afternoon. And if you can help fill in the story behind the animals, the broom riders, or the bell walkers, please share in the comments.
There is always more to learn, and that’s part of the beauty of living here.
If you enjoyed this glimpse behind the scenes of Fasnacht and would love more local insight, join our Ägeri High Heels community — where you stay connected to what’s happening in the valley and become part of a supportive group of women who share, guide, and lift one another along the way. LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT A MEMBERSHIP HAS TO OFFER.
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