Loving couples are sought for a Zug tradition

The Chrööpfelimee is dedicated to lovers. In this traditional custom of the City of Zug, loving couples are serenaded on Alt-Fasnachts Sunday (see box). This year, various groups of singers will move through the old town of Zug on Sunday, March 1st, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Where they see red lights in the window, they will stop, call to the loving couple and serenade them. As a thank you, each couple then lowers a basket of doughnuts (Krapfen) and wine to the singers, who call out “Chrööpfelimee”. The event has been organized by the Guild of Tailors, Cloth cutters and Tradesmen (Zunft der Schneider, Tuchscherer und Gewerbsleute) since 2008.

So that the singers can delight the neighbourhoods of the City of Zug with their pieces, more loving couples are needed this year. Only six couples have registered so far, according to Martin Kühn, organiser of the Chrööpfelimee. "We would be very happy to receive more registrations," he says. On average, ten to fifteen couples would be sung to. “2018 and 2019 were very good years, with 19 and 17 couples respectively.”

The groups of singers provide inspiring performances. In the picture, the group Ten Sing from Baar.

On Alt-Fasnachts Sunday, up to ten choirs roam the narrow streets of Zug looking for loving couples. After the Chrööpfelimee evening, most of the choirs immediately register for the next year, explains Kühn. The singing groups not only perform their serenades in the narrow streets of the old town, and not only to pairs from the City of Zug. "Newlyweds, lovers or couples who are celebrating an anniversary can register for the 'Chrööpfelimee'," adds Martin Kühn, "Couples from other Zug municipalities or from other cantons are also welcome." The event itself is only held in the City of Zug, and Chrööpfelimee Master Kühn provides assistance in the search for a suitable location in the city. “Couples who don’t live in the City of Zug shouldn’t miss out simply because they can’t find a room for the evening. We’ve always found a solution so far,” he adds confidently.

Martin Kühn is organising the traditional event for the third time. “It’s simply a wonderful custom that has become an integral part of the city of Zug. I enjoy organising it,” says Kühn. He finds it admirable that the couples and singing groups put a great deal of creative commitment into the preparation and the performance.

Note
Couples wishing to register for the Chrööpfelimee singing can do so until February 21st at chroopfelimee@schneiderzunft.ch.