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Animal rights activists protest against Gansabhauet tradition in Sursee

Sursee, Lucerne, Switzerland · Nov 11, 2026

Is it still on?

NOIt was a one-day action on Nov 11.

Last report · checked

The Tea in three lines

Why they are protesting
Activists oppose the use of dead geese in the annual Gansabhauet tradition, arguing it is ethically unjustifiable and harmful to children.
What they want
The protesters demand that the tradition be modified to use artificial decoys instead of real animal carcasses.
What changed
Nov 11: Approximately 60 animal rights activists demonstrated at the event site while the tradition proceeded with 3,500 spectators.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Replace real geese with artificial decoys
  • End the use of animals in the tradition

Organised by: Olivier Bieli

What authorities say

The Gansabhauet commission, led by Sara Steiner, stated that they do not see a need for change, noting that the event is held to honour the animal and that they will continue the tradition as long as there are participants and spectators.23

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Crowd
60
approximately 60 animal rights activists3

The full story

On November 11, 2026, animal rights activists gathered in Sursee, Switzerland, to protest against the annual Gansabhauet tradition. Organised by activist Olivier Bieli, the demonstration involved approximately 60 participants who held signs calling for an end to the use of dead geese in the event. The protesters argue that the practice, which involves participants attempting to decapitate dead geese with a blunt sabre, is unethical and inappropriate for children. The Gansabhauet is managed by a municipal commission, which includes representatives from the city, local carnival groups, and the police. The commission's head, Sara Steiner, defended the event, stating that it honours the animal and that there is no intention to replace the geese with decoys as long as there is public interest.

Timeline

  1. Approximately 60 protesters gathered in Sursee to demand the replacement of real geese with decoys during the Gansabhauet event.3

Pins sit on city centres, never on gathering points

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