Today, our students embraced a cherished Geneva tradition by breaking the Marmite! As part of the Escalade celebrations, this iconic chocolate cauldron is filled with marzipan vegetables and symbolizes the city’s victory in 1602 against an attempted siege.

The story goes that a Genevan woman foiled an enemy attack by pouring hot soup on soldiers scaling the city walls—hence the Marmite, representing a soup pot, has become a central part of the festivities.

Our students gathered to participate in the ritual “breaking of the Marmite,” smashing the chocolate pot while reciting the famous phrase: “Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République!” (“Thus perished the enemies of the Republic!”). It was a fun and delicious way to connect with local history and culture.