Every 10 years, Strasbourg hosts a river event that is at once sporting, folkloric and festive, dating back to the 15th century and celebrating Franco-Swiss friendship.
The origins of the Hirsebreifahrt date back to 1456. The two free cities of Zurich and Strasbourg signed a mutual defence pact at that time. To prove the speed of a potential Swiss intervention, young men from Zurich decided to travel to Strasbourg
via the Rhine in under 24 hours. As proof of their efficiency and good faith, they took with them a pot of millet porridge, vowing that it would not have time to cool before their arrival in Strasbourg. They succeeded in 20 hours and, according to contemporary accounts, the porridge distributed to their Strasbourg allies ‘burned their lips’ as it was still so hot.
Since 1946, this historical anecdote has been commemorated every 10 years, not only through numerous public festivities, but also by re-enacting the journey itself, organised by the Zurich Nautical Society and various guilds.
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Sport event |
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