“Chriesisturm”: canton Zug's Cherry Race

An ancient race featuring 8-metre-long ladders: the Chriesisturm in Zug is Switzerland's oldest living cherry tradition. The canton of Zug is renowned across Switzerland for its cherries, known locally as “Chries”. This region boasts a 600-year-old cherry culture, deeply rooted in its agricultural history and celebrated through culinary traditions and popular customs. Chriesisturm and the opening of the cherry season With the arrival of summer, canton Zug marks the start of the cherry season with the “Chriesisturm”. This tradition, dating back to the 18th century, is heralded by the ringing of the “Chriesigloggä” (cherry bell) at St Michael's Church at noon, signalling that the cherries are ready to be harvested. This event kicks off a unique race. Participants, armed with 8-metre-long wooden ladders and “Chriesihutten” (special woven baskets, carried on the backs of cherry pickers), race to the Allmend, a communal area rich with cherry trees. The first race participant to place ...