Funkensonntag

"Funkensonntag" (literally "Bonfire Sunday") is celebrated throughout Liechtenstein on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday by lighting a “Funken” (“large bonfire”).

In the past, there was a "Funken" in almost every small part of a village, but today there are usually only one or two Funken. Although the bonfires look very different, they all have in common that the local people gather in the evening and celebrate the event together.

In January, the dry Christmas trees are collected and burned as part of the "Funken". In addition, a so-called “Funkenhexe” (literally “bonfire witch") sits on the top of each bonfire. The explosion of the doll filled with black powder promises good luck and forms the highlight of the tradition.

Today, the burning of the "Funken" has a festive character. In many places there is a festival restaurant where the popular "Funkaküachle", a lard pastry, is offered. In addition, rockets and firecrackers are ignited.

The origin of the custom is still unclear. Some sources say it could be a pagan Germanic origin to drive away winter. Others rather assume that it is a Roman custom and closely related to Fasnacht and the fasting season.