Tailcoat Week and Tailcoat Parade

History

The origins of Frackwoche date back to 1925. At the time, most students came directly to the technical college from secondary school and completed their studies at around 19 years of age. By wearing beards and tailcoats, they symbolically demonstrated their entry into adult life.

After Frackwoche ceased to take place during the Second World War, the tradition experienced a revival around 1950. From then on, Frackwoche increasingly took on a more playful character, with graduates committing to growing beards through a formal “beard contract.”

Within the mechanical engineering program, the idea gradually emerged to attract attention during a “Frackumzug” by travelling through Winterthur’s old town in innovative and unconventional vehicles. Wearing tailcoats and beards remains an integral part of the tradition to this day.

Letze Rasur

The ceremonial “Letze Rasur” (Last shave) at the Fischermädchen Fountain on Steinberggasse marks the official start of the “Frackwoche” tradition. Over the next 100 days, beards are expected to grow, as stipulated in the so-called “beard contract.” The results are presented to the public during “Frackwoche” in May and at the “Frackumzug” in July.

Tradition Today

What was once dominated by tailcoats has gradually evolved: Biedermeier dresses have become increasingly common, and today many women also wear tailcoats. For participants who are unable to grow a beard, individual rules are defined in the beard contracts and must be followed for those 100 days. Popular alternatives include funny headwear: Two students graduating in Energy and Environmental Engineering, for example, wore hats for 100 days that were crocheted especially for them by a fellow student.

Frackwoche is open for every student, and participation is voluntary for all graduates.

Frackwoche

By now, the school administration has formally embraced Frackwoche, while setting out a number of ground rules to ensure that the festivities remain within reasonable limits. During Frackwoche, parties featuring regional bands and DJs, along with bar service, take place inside the buildings of Technikum Winterthur.

Frackwoche marks a major highlight not only for graduates celebrating the completion of their studies, but also for students in the lower semesters. Former graduates also frequently use Frackwoche as an opportunity for an annual class reunion. The individual degree programs are free to design and organize their own day independently on Technikumplatz.

Another long-standing tradition is the production of diploma books, that list the individual graduating classes and faculty members while showcasing highlights from the past three years of study.

Frackumzug

The Frackumzug marks the end of the bearded era. Graduates appear in traditional tailcoats with top hats and full beards, or dressed in elaborate, period-style Biedermeier gowns.

The Frackumzug is a parade of vehicles built by the graduating classes themselves, which make their way noisily through Winterthur’s old town. Creativity knows no bounds, and the spectacle is a delight for technology enthusiasts. Over the decades, the Frackumzug has developed into an established cultural tradition in the city of Winterthur.

After the Frackumzug, the beards are ceremonially shaved off during the so-called “BartAb.” This ritual takes place as part of Nacht der Technik, where graduates – often barely recognizable after the shave – celebrate their graduation together with their loved ones, ZHAW staff, and a wide Winterthur community.

Technology night

Technology night is held at the conclusion of the tailcoat parade. The final theses of the graduates are presented, professionals from the institutions and centres provide a glimpse of current research projects, numerous laboratories open their doors and even children are allowed to experiment and fiddle about.