Welcome to our VOX Cultural Digest, Issue N. 38!
With May blooming in, Zurich and the neighbouring regions beckon you to indulge in a plethora of cultural and linguistic experiences. There’s no better time to explore new horizons and expand your intellectual pursuits with VOX-Sprachschule.
Our 15-minute WhatsApp lessons continue to provide daily linguistic nourishment, designed to seamlessly integrate into your springtime routines.
Let’s begin the journey of cultural discovery and linguistic enhancement, celebrating the vibrant diversity that surrounds us.
VOX Quiz:
🗣️Which language is famous for its extensive vocabulary for snow?
a) Arabic
b) Sami
c) Hindi
d) Swahili
🇨🇭Which Swiss invention played a crucial role in the development of the World Wide Web?
a) Particle accelerator
b) Touchscreen technology
c) Hypertext
d) Cross-platform software
(Keep scrolling for the answer)
ENVIRONMENTAL
Farm Shops and Seasonal Delights
Going local and sustainable in Switzerland is straightforward. Discover the simplicity of embracing sustainability through regional farm shops offering a variety of Swiss produce, where you can enjoy the freshness of local goods.
WHERE > Regional Farm Shops across Switzerland
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Morges Tulip Festival
Each spring, Morges blooms into a spectacular canvas at the Tulip Festival. This year’s theme, “Countries of the World,” brings over 140,000 tulips in about 350 varieties to life, celebrating international cultures with a vibrant display of flowers along Lake Geneva.
WHEN > until 12 May
WHERE > Morges
WOW City Rally
The WOW Outdoor City Rally transforms Zurich into an interactive playground, where teams navigate through the city, uncovering optical illusions and tackling diverse challenges. It blends exploration with creativity, offering a unique way to discover Zurich’s most picturesque corners.
WHEN > Available Daily
WHERE > Starting from WOW Museum
Greisinger Museum
The Greisinger Museum, welcomes enthusiasts into the fantastical world of Middle-earth. Home to the world’s largest and most significant collection dedicated to Middle-earth, the Greisinger Collection includes an extensive array of art, literature, and collectables.
WHEN > Open Year-Round
WHERE > Jenins
Street Food Festival
Dive into the vibrant world of street cuisine at the Zurich Street Food Festival which offers a spectacular array of international dishes and drinks by the lakeside, providing the perfect setting to enjoy good food and great company.
WHEN > 11 May – 18 June
WHERE > Zurich
Parks and Gardens
Zurich is home to around 70 parks and green areas, which offer places for people to meet, relax and enjoy themselves and their food. There are lots of benches, trees, and grassy spots for a picnic or gathering with friends.
WHERE > Zurich
Wein-Tram
Enjoy a leisurely ride at a moving wine tasting venue featuring exquisite local wines paired with gourmet appetizers while soaking in the beautiful cityscape. This unique experience combines a tram tour with detailed insights into the wines served, making it a must-do for wine enthusiasts.
WHEN > 15 May – 6 June
WHERE > Zurich
Cycle Week
Zurich is hosting an exciting event for bike enthusiasts to kick off the cycling season, where everything revolves around the topics of biking, two-wheeled culture, mobility and also lifestyle.
WHEN > 23 – 26 May
WHERE > Zurich
Garden of Wines
Step into the verdant realms of the Jardin des Vins where a garden party meets an exceptional wine tasting experience. Sample and purchase from a selection of over 220 Sion wines amidst lush greenery, complete with free children’s activities, diverse dining areas, and relaxing lounges by the lake.
WHEN > 9 – 11 May
WHERE > Sion
SHOWS AND FESTIVALS
Mozart Melodies
Experience the magic of Mozart Melodies: Die Zauberflöte Reimagined where Mozart’s celebrated opera is presented in a new light. This production artfully marries elements from the 18th century with modern visuals transforming Mozart’s timeless melodies into a captivating spectacle.
WHEN > until 25 May
WHERE > Kirche auf der Egg
Zürich Tanzt
Igniting the streets of Zurich with movement and rhythm, the Zürich Tanzt festival transforms the city into a dynamic dance floor. This annual event, which draws over 10,000 attendees, features a diverse program of dance workshops, performances, and interactive sessions across 19 venues.
WHEN > 3 -12 May
WHERE > Zurich
Fantasy Basel
FANTASY BASEL – The Swiss Comic Con 2023 will once again take place in May. A day or more there is always a delight, with artists displaying their talent, interviews with actors and cosplay contests.
WHEN > 9 – 11 May
WHERE > Messe Basel
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Leonardo da Vinci
Journey back to Renaissance Florence at this exhibition, which traces Leonardo da Vinci’s early life and apprenticeship with master artist Andrea del Verrocchio. This exhibition highlights his initial artworks and the development of his unique perspective on nature, revealing the early brilliance of a universal genius.
WHEN > until 20 October
WHERE > Lichthalle MAAG
MUSEUMS
More Than Gold
This new exhibition unveils the rich cultural heritage and artistry of pre-Hispanic Colombia. With around 400 pieces, many for the first time in Switzerland, it highlights indigenous perspectives on cosmology, nature, and materiality in collaboration with LACMA and the Arhuaco community.
HEN > until 21 July
WHERE > Museum Rietberg
Museums After Work
For those working full-time and looking to explore art and culture beyond regular hours, Zurich’s museums offer extended openings. Enjoy evening visits to a variety of museums with hours extending until 7 pm or later!
WHEN > Various evenings throughout the week
WHERE > Multiple locations across Zurich
Exploring Life’s Tapestry
This exhibition showcases the intricate beauty of biodiversity. From the colourful array of insects and plants to the exploration of ecosystems and genes. Explore nature’s wonders and the critical conversation on conservation efforts.
WHEN > until 14 July
WHERE > ETH
Pierre Gianadda Foundation
The renowned Pierre Gianadda Foundation is a hub of cultural and historical exhibits including a Gallo-Roman Museum, an Automobile Museum, and a vibrant Sculpture Park.
WHEN > Open hours vary by season
WHERE > Martigny
How we learn
Find out about human learning at the “Wie wir lernen ” event in Zurich. Discover the intricacies of lifelong learning, whether intentional or incidental, driven by curiosity or trial and error. Uncover the surprising ways in which we absorb knowledge and skills, even when we’re not consciously trying.
WHEN > until June 2024
WHERE > KULTURAMA
SCIENCE
Experience the Zurich night sky
The guided tours in German at the observatory beneath its imposing oak dome, provide visitors with an understanding of astronomy and reveal fascinating details about the cosmos.
WHEN > selected dates each month
WHERE > Sternwarte Urania, Zürich
CITY TOURS
Cityillusion
Zurich is a city with a rich history and culture that can now be explored in an entirely new and exciting way. Take a VR city tour and explore the different places in Zurich while meeting famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Katharina von Zimmern. Gain insight into the lives of several influential historical figures and discover the city in an interactive way.
WHERE > Zurich
VOX Quiz Answers:
- b) Sami is the snowy language! Sami people live in a winter wonderland and their language reflects that. They have specific words for different snow types (powder, wet, etc.) – way more than just “snow.” This helps them with reindeer herding and surviving those long winters. It’s part of the Uralic language family, but separate from Finnish or Hungarian.
- c) Hypertext is crucial for the Web because it lets users jump between linked documents. This makes exploring information on the Web much more flexible and user-friendly compared to traditional linear reading.
Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the VOX Cultural Digest.
Have fun exploring and learning new languages!
