Zurich's Grossmünster church is illuminated during the Silvesterzauber light show by artist Gerry Hofstetter
Keystone / Michael Buholzer
The Swiss have been celebrating the New Year, as the coronavirus continues to cast a shadow over the country. Police said the night had been a relatively calm one.
Zurich city police force said that the night into 2022 had been similar to any other weekend night in terms of interventions. Other cantons also reported calmer nights, although small fires caused by fireworks were put out in some places. In previous years, rowdy New Year’s revellers had caused more interventions, particularly in towns and cities, the Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA noted.
On Friday, the Swiss government (Federal Council) decided not to update the current Covid-19 health measures in place. Covid infections reached all-time high of 19,032 new cases the previous day.
On December 17th, the government announced that only people who have been vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 were able to go inside restaurants, cultural, sporting and leisure venues and attend indoor events. It also reinstated home-office and limited the number of people attending private gatherings.
This meant clubs and restaurants were open for New Year’s Eve, under restrictions, although many people also celebrated at home or in small groups.
Lights, fireworks
It was still possible to attend various events around the country. In Zurich, a Silvesterzauber light show by artist Gerry Hofstetter illuminated various buildings in the city centre (see main picture). The show replaced the traditional fireworks which were cancelled by the organisers for the second time in a row due to the pandemic.
In Geneva, people could watch the Borealis sound and light show by Swiss artist Dan Acher called Borealis, the performances of which were held under Covid restrictions.
The sound and light show in Geneva in the parc des Bastions
Keystone / Salvatore Di Nolfi
Even if many large displays were cancelled, fireworks could be enjoyed in many places.
Fireworks in the snow at the Alpine resort of Zinal
Keystone / Laurent Gillieron
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
The image of foreigners in Switzerland has deteriorated
This content was published on
The Federal Statistical Office has found that Swiss people’s views of foreigners have worsened over the last couple of years.
After mild winter, nature wakes up earlier in Switzerland
This content was published on
Once again this year, nature has woken up earlier than normal, between a week and ten days ahead of schedule due to a mild winter.
Computer failure disrupts air traffic at Geneva airport
This content was published on
A computer breakdown has disrupted operations at Geneva Airport since midday on Tuesday. Significant delays are expected.
Swiss show high willingness to pay for sustainable flats
This content was published on
Tenants in Switzerland are in favour of sustainable flats. However, the willingness to pay differs by income according to a new study.
Swiss customs intercepted over 200 tonnes of smuggled meat in 2024
This content was published on
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security intercepted around 208 tonnes of smuggled meat at border crossings in 2024.
Switzerland faces infrastructure gaps for CO2 capture
This content was published on
Switzerland must actively remove CO2 from the air in order to become climate-neutral by 2050. However, the infrastructure for this isn't sufficient.
Swiss parliament prohibits sale of Swiss space company Beyond Gravity
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has said that the Swiss government should not sell the Swiss space company Beyond Gravity, which is part of RUAG.
Covid-19: Switzerland tightens restrictions for the unvaccinated
This content was published on
Switzerland to restrict access to restaurants, bars, cultural and sports facilities to vaccinated people or those recently recovered from infection.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.