Every December, Geneva celebrates L’Escalade, commemorating the city’s 1602 defence against the Duke of Savoy. This vibrant tradition unites the community with colourful parades, costumes, and also an Annual Run

Another traditional highlight is breaking the marmite, a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan vegetables. This ritual honours Mère Royaume, who defended Geneva by pouring hot soup on invaders. As families smash the marmite, exclaiming “Ainsi périssent les ennemis de la République!” (“Thus perish the enemies of the Republic!”), they celebrate resilience and unity.

Within the boarding house we celebrated this during our Weekly Meeting. Traditionally the youngest (Maksim) and the oldest (Stanislav) of the family join hands and smash the Marmite.