Compagnie de 1602



The Compagnie de 1602 is an historic and patriotic association in Geneva who organize the official commemoration of the Escalade. This association was established on March 31, 1926.

Previous history
The Escalade was celebrated immediately after the attack of the Savoyards, but the patriotic commemoration became very important only in the middle of the 19th century (in 1860). In this time, Geneva builds monuments in memory of the Escalade. The first processions with historical costumes take place (1867–1868) - military and gymnastics groups compose the processions - and the famous Pot in chocolate is created (10 décembre 1881).

In 1898, "the genevan patriotic association for the Escalade" is created with the aim of the tercentenary of the Escalade (in 1902). The Compagnie de 1602 is created some years after, on March 31, 1926 and succeeds the former association October 27, 1926 a few months after its foundation, the association has 56 members - named "Compagnons" ; some are very famous Genevan or Swiss personalities, for instance: Gustave Ador, Édouard Elzingre...

Become a "Compagnon"
In 1926 as today, the Members of the Compagnie must be Swiss and receive the signature and agreement of two members (as a sponsorship). The foreigners are welcomed as sympathizers members. Every member - men, women and children - pays a financial contribution. Finally there is no religious, political or social distinction within this association. In 2011 the association had approximately 2500 members.

Historical costumes
The historical costumes which dress approximately 800 persons during the Parade of Escalade do not date from 1602. They were made at the beginning and in the middle of the 20th century and they are inspired by the drawings of Elzingre. However, historical research shows that some colors used in these costumes did not exist in 1602 and are not good examples of austere lifestyle in Geneva after the Reformation... "Bon nombre de costumes de la Compagnie de 1602 commencent effectivement à se faire vieux. Collectée depuis le début du XXe siècle, une grande partie d’entre eux a été confectionnée dans les années cinquante. «Certains, environ 300, sont très usés. Les remplacer est aujourd’hui urgent, explique Ivan Rochat, président de la société. Avec un peu plus de 800 participants à habiller lors du défilé, nous avons peu de marge en matière de costumes. Voire aucune, dans certains groupes.» La donation de la Fondation Hans Wilsdorf tombe donc à pic. «C’est une offre exceptionnelle, se réjouit Ivan Rochat. Elle nous permettra d’acquérir, sur trois ans, entre 150 et 200 costumes neufs, soit à peu près un quart du nombre total de tenues.» La Compagnie de 1602 continue néanmoins de chercher des fonds auprès d’autres institutions, afin de remplacer le reste des uniformes les plus usés. «Il nous faut encore trouver un montant d’environ 430?000?francs», précise son président. [...] La compagnie tentera, pour ses nouveaux costumes, d’être au plus près de la réalité historique, mais ne bannira pas les couleurs du cortège. Objectif, ne pas se retrouver avec un défilé nocturne «trop triste». Le président conclut: «Nous suivrons une voie intermédiaire. Se conformer à 100% à l’histoire est complexe: nous avons effectivement créé nos tenues suite à des recherches historiques, mais aussi selon les dessins du peintre genevois Elzingre, qui ne sont pas tout à fait historiquement corrects.»" in

Tribute to the heroes
This solemn parade take place on Friday evening and traditionally marks the start of the festivities. Legacy of earlier parades of the early 20th century, it reflects the will to make a tribute to the 18 victims of the Geneva Escalade. Thus, along a path leading from Bourg-de-Four to the Protestant church of Saint-Gervais - burial place of those victims - the political authorities of the city and county lay flowers on three commemorative monuments - la Tertasse, la Corraterie et Saint-Gervais.

The Parade
On Sunday evening, lit by torchbearers creating a special atmosphere, the parade into the town attracts tens of thousands of people. Bringing in good order all costumed compagnons, horses, carriages and weapons, the parade explores the old city, the lower streets, and the Saint-Gervais area during more than 3 hours. Along the way, the parade stops in five emblematic places of the city (Bourg-de-Four, Molard, Coutance, Corraterie, Cour Saint-Pierre), places where the herald - horseman dressed in the colors of Geneva - delivers proclamation - an oration recalling the history of the Escalade to the people gathered. The last step in the forecourt of the Geneva's Cathedral Saint-Pierre traditionally ends with a bonfire. With this procession, the Escalade could be the largest free historical reconstitution in Europe. The next weekend of celebration and remembrance will take place on December 11, 12 and 13th, 2015.