The Yearly Onion Market in Bern

Always on the fourth Monday in November, the city center of Bern is awash with onions. The yearly onion market has a long tradition, going back to the feast of St. Martin, when the cities of Southern Germany all had large markets, pageants, and communal dinners to mark summer passing into autumn. 

Why Santa Muerte is an Austrian (too)

R J Evans published an article on the not quite standard saint Santa Muerte in Central America The Strange Cult of Santa Muerte: Saint Death. In it, he claimed quite correctly an Austrian influence on this strange phenomenon. As this might seem a strange connotation to many, I am following it up with information on the strange burial rites of the Austrian Imperial family. 

St. Gall: Town of Embroidery

St Gall is linked today with high quality embroideries used for haute couture. But it is also a beautiful town with a long history and a picturesque city center. At its center stands the magnificent monastery of St Gall with its cathedral and library. 

Basel: Cultural Centre of Switzerland

Basel is not only a cultural center. Its special situation bordering both Germany and France has brought forth other peculiarities, like three railway stations in town center and a tri-national airport. It is also a city steeped in legend, most of which is fervently believed by its inhabitants. 

Liechtenstein: Prince and People

The Principality of Liechtenstein is sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. It is a hereditary principality with equal powers shared between parliament and Prince. Nobody knows what happens if ever they should agree to disagree. The Prince is also head of state. 

Vogel Gryff: Day of The Griffin

It takes a special town to have a festival dedicated to a mythical beast, but in a city where you stumble over basilisks with almost every other step you take, it has to be expected. Vogel Gryff, the Festival of the Griffin is held every January in the city of Basel.