Au Pair in America

Kids Culture Corner

Read here about the adventures of a horse, an ox, a rooster, a goose, a cat and a dog!

Many towns in Switzerland celebrate carnival or "Fastnacht" during February and March to celebrate the end of winter. Many people wear painted masks and colorful costumes and party and parade in the streets.

Ever since 1824, children have celebrated the beginning of summer with the St. Gallen Children's Festival. As many as 10,000 children parade through the streets.

The Swiss national day is August 1. Like national days in many other countries, it is celebrated with concerts, parades and fireworks.

Christmas is celebrated on two days in Switzerland. On December 6, children go to bed to wait for St. Nicholas (Samichlaus in Switzerland), who arrives by donkey to bring them oranges, apples and nuts. It is told that naughty children will be carried away in the saint's big sack and told to clean up after his donkey. On December 24 the Christkind (Christ Child) comes, bringing the Christmas tree and gifts including brightly wrapped candy.

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