2009 Log

It looked like a rainy day but things got better as the event progressed. There wasn't really any sunshine, but nothing worse than a drizzle.

CLICK HERE FOR 2009 STREETPARADE PICTURES

2008 Log 

Good weather, the crowd was rejuvenated, some aggressiveness (a first), lots of alcohol (a first). Wonder if the last two points are related?

2007 Log

Good, mild weather, significantly less spectators.

2006 Log

It was overcast, sunny, rainy, dry, warm and cold during this year's event. Even though Streetparade is showing signs of age, it's participants have aged, and significantly fewer people took part this year, there is no question: this is still a world class event!

Streetparade Intro

Street Parade is one of Zurich's (and Switzerland's) major events, and hardly needs an introduction. It's a parade of colour, creative costumes, accessories and make-up, with most ravers in a great, tolerant mood turning exhibitionist for a day. It's great fun to be raving at Streetparade even if you don't particularly like Techno. Photographers and videographers have a field day taking pictures at Street Parade, and I imagine an amazing number of pictures are taken. Tons of travelers travel from all over Switzerland but also from neighbouring countries. The hotels in Zurich are booked solid way ahead, so book early.

Interestingly enough, the Carnival at Salvador in Brazil sports a similar style of musical-float which has been around for quite a bit longer than Streetparade. There, the floats are called 'Trio Eletricó'. They feature live Samba and Brazilian Rock instead of the canned techno of Zurich (check out my pages on Brazil for some pictures). And there are other parallels between Samba and Techno like the 2/2 beat and the trace-inducing rhythm...

My Tips

* Be there in person, close up. Watching the event on TV can't compare to the real thing.

* I tried earplugs once, but they took away too much of "the feel" (your risk).

* I now start off late from Mythenquai (around 5:30 PM), when the first floats start coming in and walk again the flow. This reduces waiting times considerably and works well, considering the parade isn't quite as packed as it used to be. If you want to hang around longer, start much earlier at the starting point of the Parade: Utoquai. The crowds are the densest around Bellevue and the Quaibrücke (Quai bridge) till Bürkliplatz.

* It's practically guaranteed to be hot/warm: light clothes and water help. A poncho was great for the exceptions of 2002, 2006 and 2009. An umbrella will probably poke someone's eye.