L'Escalade of 1602: History, Myth, and Commemoration.

The article focuses on the history pertaining to the defeat of the surprise attack against Geneva, Switzerland in December 1602, called ''L'Escalade,'' by troops sent by Charles Emmanuel I, the Duke of Savoy of Italy. The author also explores the significance of the attack to the citizens of Geneva, while emphasizing that L'Escalade is an annual civic celebration in the city. The author discusses how historians of L'Escalade created a lasting mythical image of the event, which has consequently fostered patriotic pride and reaffirmed the religious faith of Swiss citizens. The author asserts that the continued celebration of L'Escalade provides an example of the importance of civic celebrations to link cultures to their own histories.