Zibelemärit

If you’re not a fan of onions, the Swiss capital is best avoided on the fourth Monday of November when Bern is overrun by some 60 tonnes of the eye-watering vegetable.

A tradition that dates from the mid-19th century, this day-long onion market is thought to have been started by farmers' wives in the Seeland region who brought onions and other produce to the capital to sell on the first day of Bern's medieval Martinmas Fairs, which celebrated the coming of winter.

These days the Zibelemärit welcomes around 400 stalls selling artistically crafted strings of onions, garlic and other veg, plus ready-to-eat onion-based food. There's a proper party atmosphere in the confetti-strewn streets, and everyone turns out early to make the most of it, tucking into onion soup, onion tart and mulled wine for breakfast. Despite the cold, it's a fun day out and a good start to the festive season - Bern's Christmas markets usually begin straight after the onion market.