Celebrate the traditional spark burning with us

From February 28 to March 1, the Montafon is all about the Funken tradition. With fire, smoke and a loud bang, the "demons of winter" are driven out of the Ländle on the traditional spark weekend.

The Alemannic custom, which is still practised today in Vorarlberg and Switzerland, dates back to pre-Christian times and symbolizes the growing light of spring. On the weekend after Ash Wednesday, over twenty sparks are set up in the Montafon - more than anywhere else. With free admission to all sparkling events, the weekend is the undisputed highlight of spring.

700 hours of preparatory work

A lot of work is required to ensure that the spectacle goes off without a hitch. The so-called Funkenzünfte of the Montafon need over 700 hours of work before their sparks are ready. The pile of wood, which can reach up to 30 meters, is filled with old Christmas trees, straw and brushwood. The result is a particularly impressive fire spectacle. Each sparking guild has its own preferences when it comes to the shape of the spark: Whether it is piled up in a square, hexagonal or octagonal shape is entirely up to them. There have also been star-shaped sparks. However, the sparkler fir, to which the sparkler witch is attached, is always mounted on top. This witch, a doll filled with gunpowder and often dressed in rags, is supposed to drive out winter with her explosion and welcome the approaching spring.

Big and small are involved

There is also plenty for the youngest sparklers to do this weekend. Special children's sparks are set up in many places. The "spark master", the head of the spark guild, builds his own spark with the children, which is then burnt down before the actual spectacle. Torches are also made together, which are swung during the burning of the spark. The roles of the spark makers themselves are divided up very traditionally: While the men of the spark guild take care of the woodwork, the women organize the catering for the hard-working helpers and spectators.

A sleepless night

When the sparks are up, the work is not yet done. Now the spark guard begins. In earlier times, it was not uncommon for young people from neighboring villages to light the spark early, thus thwarting the beautiful spectacle. In the meantime, however, this funny prank is punishable by law and fortunately is hardly ever practiced anymore. However, the Funkenwache still offers a good opportunity to spend the evening together with friends. There are now often proper "Funken parties" where the Funken Night is celebrated together with live music and regional delicacies.

Fiery evening

The time has finally come: when darkness falls on Sunday evening, the spark is lit and the spectacle begins. Accompanied by music, the audience marvels at the burning wooden tower. In addition, brave spectators wave flaming torches and in Tschagguns there is even a giant torch wheel that creates breathtaking scenes. If the spark collapses before the spark witch can explode, it is said to bring bad luck. If this happens, the spark guild buries the witch a week later in a special ceremony.

Delicious custom

The Funkenwochenende also has a lot to offer in culinary terms. It is not without reason that Funken Sunday is also known as "Küachli-Sonntig". The tasty "Funka-Küachli", round, golden-yellow baked pieces of dough, are simply part of the custom. We have already introduced you to the "Küachli" in a slightly different form, as "Polsterzipfel". Click here for the recipe!