Zurich Bal 2024 in Luxembourg
The "Zürcher Bal", organized by the association "Luxemburger Studenten Zürich" (LSZ), has long been a legendary meeting place for students and alumni from all over Europe. On December 25, 2024, 4300 guests celebrated an unforgettable night full of music, encounters and good vibes in the exhibition halls of LUXEXPO. Thanks to months of planning and dedicated volunteers, the traditional ball was once again a complete success.
This article has been translated with AI.
Organizer
The association "Luxemburger Studenten Zürich" (LSZ) is the organizer of the ball. Some members of the Luxembourg chapter help out. After Sarah Hoffmann was responsible for the overall organization last year, Michelle Jost managed the troops this year.
As a reminder
Jemp Wagener, a forestry graduate from ETH 1962, is considered the father of the "Zürcher Bals" in Luxembourg.
The choice of date
The "Zürcher Bal" 2024 took place on December 25, 2024. The date of December 25 goes back to 1960, the year in which the so-called "Zürcher Bal" was held in Luxembourg for the first time.
The idea of holding the Bal on this particular date was based on the idea that the students wanted to get away from their families for the end-of-year festivities after returning from Zurich and visiting all their aunts and uncles and grandparents. A dance event like this was a welcome opportunity to leave the family home, which had to serve as a free hotel for the Christmas vacations.
In 1960, many believed that the event could be a flop, as competing events such as the Brussels Bal, the Liège Bal and a Bal of the “Anciens Combattants” of the "Alliance Française" were being held.
It should be remembered that in 1960, the treasurer of the LSZ suffered a bout of diarrhea himself on December 25 out of fear and shame of a debacle. He need not have been afraid. The opposite was true. Guests queued up at the front gate waiting to get in, while the treasurer had sneaked off to hide in a pub near the Victor Hugo event hall.
A generally recognized meeting place for students
The Bal has long since become a well-known meeting place for students throughout Luxembourg during the Christmas period. They come from all directions: Zurich, Lausanne, Grenoble, Munich, Karlsruhe, Aachen, Berlin, Brussels, Liège, Leuven, Paris, Strasbourg, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, Montpellier. They study humanities, psychology, engineering, chemistry, physics, law and business studies. First-year students have the opportunity to meet their friends from their final year at the Lycée and exchange ideas,
Preparation time: 8 months
An event like the Zurich Bal requires a preparation time of eight months. Calls for volunteers are made with the help of a WhatsApp group. This involves concluding contracts with the hall operator, making contact with the drinks suppliers, coordinating with the security staff, clarifying the extent to which the assistance of an event company will be used and engaging the orchestras.
Work plans must be drawn up for the entrance area and the serving counters as well as for the subsequent delivery of drinks.
Set-up, installation and dismantling must be planned in advance.
Price lists have to be drawn up and payment systems have to be tested.
A complete success
On Wednesday evening, the exhibition halls at LUXEXPO were full. 4300 guests attended the 62 "Zürcher Bal" (the 2020 and 2021 balls were canceled due to coronavirus). Musical entertainment was provided by the Noisemakers, DJs GiOM, WazToo and Nosi. 20 free shuttle buses allowed students to do without their cars. Those who preferred a relaxed atmosphere could settle down in the lounge bar.
