Bonfire in Sonntag

On Funkensonntag, the Chrochner (school children) and the Fachilischwinger (boys who set up the bonfire) go from house to house, reciting their rhyme and wishing you good luck. In the evening, the burning of the bonfire symbolically drives out winter. You can easily remember the date: Funkensonntag always falls on the first Sunday of Lent. The bonfire – known simply as Funken – is an old fire custom that is still widespread today in the Swabian-Alemannic region. Around the bonfire tree, a wooden tower is built, which is ultimately set alight. Since 2010, the Vorarlberg bonfire tradition has been part of Austria's intangible cultural heritage as recognized by UNESCO.