Zurich has its own traditional method of weather forecasting, the Sechseläuten (Sächsilüüte?) (pronounced a bit like "sex-er-loiter"), which involves putting an effigy of a snowman packed with explosives on top of a bonfire. The faster the head blows off, the better summer will be. This is a holiday in Zurich (not anywhere else) with shops closed and himself on a half day.
In the event that that the effigy does not go off, it will be assisted - witness the description of the 2008 burning on the link above, where the fire brigade used their considerable knowledge and a supply of kerosene to help it along. It also involves fleets of guild members in period dress on horseback distributing flowers around the city.
I may just put "busy" in my calendar and go see what photos I can get.
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