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Experience a slice of vibrant Swiss history on April 4 with the celebration of Näfelser Fahrt! This historical event commemorates the legendary Battle of Näfels which took place in 1388, where the determined Swiss resistance managed to triumph over Austrian invaders. Now, each year, the people of Glarus come together in peace, unity and pride on this memorable day. Pound the same path in unison as the brave Swiss fighters once did, ensuring their enduring spirit lives on. So, mark your calendars and get ready to step back in time to join this grand procession of history and victory!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1388</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Näfels</div><div class='timeline-text'>At the crucial Battle of Näfels, Swiss Confederates achieve a pivotal victory over the Habsburg army, shaping Swiss history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1389</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Näfelser Fahrt Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The canton of Glarus begins its annual commemoration of the victorious battle, starting the tradition of Näfelser Fahrt.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1799</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>French Invasion Suspension</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the French occupation of Glarus, the Näfelser Fahrt tradition is temporarily suspended.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Näfelser Fahrt Reinstated</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of Näfelser Fahrt is reinstated post-French occupation, signalling a return to normalization of Swiss cultural practices.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1938</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Glarus Bicentenary Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Battle of Näfels is commemorated on a larger scale on its 550th anniversary, with the event attracting widespread attention. This enhances the prominence of the tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continuing Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Näfelser Fahrt remains an important event in the calendar of Glarus, symbolizing its historical triumph and ideology of unity and peace.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join the procession</h3><p class='facts-text'>Truly be a part of the history and experience it first hand by joining the annual procession of the Näfelser Fahrt parade. As you march with fellow citizens, you'll feel a strong sense of unity and pride that is at the heart of this tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn about the Battle of Näfels</h3><p class='facts-text'>Understanding the significance behind any celebration is crucial. Spend some time learning about the Battle of Näfels and why this procession is so significant to the people of Glarus.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the memorial cross</h3><p class='facts-text'>In memory of the fallen during the Battle of Näfels, a commemorative cross was erected on Battlefield Hill. Make it a point to visit and pay your respects at this meaningful site as part of your Näfelser Fahrt celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sing along to the songs</h3><p class='facts-text'>Music plays a big part in the Näfelser Fahrt celebrations. Learn the words to traditional songs like "La Suisse passé" and "Les Avanchets" that are sung during the procession to deeply immerse yourself in the tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in local traditions</h3><p class='facts-text'>The people of Glarus also observe other local traditions during Näfelser Fahrt - they clean and decorate their houses, bake special bread called "Näfelser Brot" and visit family and friends. Get involved in these aspects of the celebration and get a feel for the community spirit that surrounds this event.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates History and Unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Näfelser Fahrt Day is a wonderful opportunity to commemorate a significant moment in Swiss history. The Battle of Näfels represents a testament to Swiss resilience, unity, and bravery. Participating in the annual procession not only allows us to honor the past but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among participants.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cultural Learning Experience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Näfelser Fahrt Day offers a rich cultural learning experience. From understanding the Battle of Näfels to visiting the memorial cross, this daylong celebration provides an abundance of historical knowledge. Additionally, engaging in traditional songs and participating in local customs allow attendants to deeply immerse themselves in Swiss culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Community Spirit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Näfelser Fahrt Day brings the community together by encouraging citizens to clean and decorate their homes, bake traditional bread, and visit family and friends. The collective participation in these activities instills a strong community bond and spirit among the people of Glarus, further highlighting the importance of celebrating Näfelser Fahrt Day.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Celebration Occurs Every Six Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Näfelser Fahrt celebration was originally held annually. However, since 1824, the grand occasion has been celebrated once every six years to preserve its importance and grandeur.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional March to Battlefield Hill</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every Näfelser Fahrt, the townsfolk of Glarus march to the Battlefield Hill, also known as the "Field of the Dead," where the Battle of Näfels took place, making it a symbolic and historical route.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Näfelser Fahrt Flag</h3><p class='facts-content'>A vital symbol during the procession is the Näfelser Fahrt flag, traditionally made of silk and featuring the cantonal coat of arms surrounded by an inscription that translates to "For God and Fatherland."</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ceremonial Role of Marksmen and Drummers</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the procession, local marksmen and drummers play a significant ceremonial role, with the drummers donning traditional uniforms replicating those worn by the Swiss Confederation soldiers in the 15th century.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Prelude to the Event - The Chime of Bells</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Näfelser Fahrt day begins with the bell towers of Glarus chiming out over the town, announcing the start of this historical celebration and inviting townsfolk to join in the commemoration.</p></div></div>
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