Culture
ART AND CULTURE
Customs and Traditions
In addition to our market tradition, there are various annually repeated customs and traditions in Bremgarten.
We have summarized the most important ones for you.
Local customs
Church customs
Synesius's blessing
The bones of St. Synesius were brought to Bremgarten from the catacombs in Rome in 1653 and since then, he has been the patron saint of the town and the district. He is specially revered for his help with afflictions of the eyes. His saint's day on the 4th Sunday in October draws hoards of pilgrims to Bremgarten hoping to have their eyes blessed and healed by their devotion to his consecrated relics. On this market day Saint Synesius is remembered and every year over 10,000 devout believers have their eyes blessed by their saint.
Corpus Christi Procession
This tradition celebrates the real presence of Jesus Christ's body and blood. 60 days after Easter many believers join the procession through the lower town and the church parish.
Assumption Day
The Assumption of Mary on August 15th is traditionally celebrated with the inhabitants of the charitable St. Joseph Foundation.
Klausauszug
At the beginning of December St Nicholas, the church patron of Bremgarten, leaves the church with his entourage to meet the children in the old town.
Fällbaum closing and opening
The Fällbaum regulates the water level to generate electricity. The dam is closed in winter to raise the water level on either side of the dam. In spring the Fällbaum is re-opened and boats and punts can pass through again. The opening and closing is performed by the punting club with 1 boat and 5 strong punters, who do the work manually. In the summer season the open Fällbaum attracts many water sports enthusiasts.
Umesinge - Children Carol Singers
The 12 Bremgarten carols are a valuable cultural heritage. During the Christmas season a choir of children with their red hoods and blue gowns move from door to door and rejoice the inhabitants with their carols. The proceeds are given to a different charity organisation every year. The carol singing is organized by the Bremgarten Kantorei in collaboration with Bremgarten Tourismus.
Carnival «Usrüere»
The climax of the Bremgarten carnival season is the ancient custom of „Usrüere“: From a wagon the carnival team 'SchpitelturmClique' toss sweets and fruit to the children who call out "Heego! – Naaro! Wiiss und rot und pio!", a slogan meaning "I'm a red and white, beautiful fool!", red and white being the colours of the Bremgarten coat of arms.
The custom can be traced back to the second half of the 14th century, when children were offered nuts and apples during the carnival season.