One Million Revelers Take Part in Swiss Techno Street Parade

The first edition of Zurich's annual techno Street Parade took place in 1992, drawing a mere 1,000 revelers and only two lovemobiles. Organizers revealed that around one million people thronged the streets of a sun-drenched Zurich Saturday to take part in the Swiss city's annual Street Parade.

Hundreds and thousands ans from across Europe began gathering around 1100 GMT, before dancing through the heart of Switzerland's financial capital to the high-decibel electronic beats blaring from 26 floats, known as 'lovemobiles'. With the sun glaring and the mercury rising to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) by early afternoon, the revelers were urged to stay hydrated, and business was reportedly booming at the concession stands lining the pulsating streets.

Zurich Techno Street Parade Draws 800,000
Some 800,000 people joined in Zurich's techno Street Parade Saturday, organisers said, as city police mobilised to monitor the crowd after the deadly techno event in Germany last month.

In addition to the lovemobiles, six dance podiums were erected along the route where more than 20 Swiss and international DJs performed for the participants. Switzerland's national railway company organized 100 special trains to ferry party goers to and from Zurich throughout the day and night. The city police had deployed 500 officers to guard the event. There had been no major problems throughout the day.

There had however been a few serious accidents, and police said, "We have taken three people into custody due to excessive drug or alcohol use." Police spokesman Marco Cortesi said, "In one of the most serious incidents, a 17-year-old girl was rushed to hospital in serious condition after falling into Lake Zurich, but her life was not in danger."

Source-AFP

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