The mirror balls will be unused this festive season Honey Fangs-Unsplash

The mirror balls will be unused this festive season Honey Fangs-Unsplash

You find the perfect outfit, have had approximately five million chats with your friends to decide who drinks, who doesn’t, and who is responsible for that one pal that always ends up crying. And then, just like that, the Big Event you were looking forward to gets cancelled. Ugh! says Tracy Heindrichs.

Though, back in the days before the pandemic, it might have been nice to have your plans cancelled at the last moment--an excuse to finish binging that Netflix show you were hooked on--the same can’t be said in 2021. People are tired. People need excitement, parties, get-togethers, something to look forward to in a time when nobody knows what’s ahead. 

The Zürcher Bal, a huge New Year’s Eve party organised by the LSZ--a student union for Luxembourg students in Zürich--represented that moment for many young adults from all over. 4,500 guests, classy outfits, food trucks, bars, sanitary restrictions, night buses, everything was ready for the 60th edition of the end-of-year tradition. 

But, as covid-19 infection rates soared over the past weeks, the government than those brought in just days earlier. 2G+ and curfews in restaurants, or a justified concept for gatherings over 200 people, … Though the measures still have to be debated in parliament on Friday 24 December, the message is clear: the party is over, again. 

The measures are necessary, as hospital units fill up with more covid patients again.

“These measures are, considering the situation, the only responsible thing to do, and we stand by our government,” the LSZ said in a post on Instagram. 

And so, the Zürcher Bal was cancelled.

Disappointment and reason at the forefront

The Instagram post, featuring in large letters the word “HEARTBROKEN”, explains the group was happy to have been able to make the project come to life, but was worried about the financial repercussions of the cancellation. Followers of the profile were quick to show their disappointment, but also their empathy and support. 

“Sorry for all the work you put in there…” said one, while another commented: “Keep your head up! Keep your nice ideas for next year and hopefullly by then the virus will be tired of always screwing everything up.”

Someone added: “I’m sorry guys, I know how much effort you’ve all put in to making this happen. It looks like this one was going to be the best one yet--your team is brilliant and I’m sure you have all learnt a lot from this so far and you’ll make it happen next time, bigger and better.”

Others shared their sadness with heart and crying emojis. 

 Disappointment was tangible in the comment section of the ZLS’s post announcing the cancellation of the event.   ZuercherBal Instagram

 Disappointment was tangible in the comment section of the ZLS’s post announcing the cancellation of the event.   ZuercherBal Instagram

Though some asked if there were no ways to bend the rules, they were quickly admonished by other young adults arguing that the decision taken was a necessary evil. , similar opinions could be found. “My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined,” said one commenter. Many deplored the organisers’ efforts going to waste, sending out their love and support. “Open a donation box, I’m sure many want to and will help you,” recommended a user. 

And so, while the Grinch managed to steal Christmas yet again, empathy and solidarity have shone through. Here’s to hoping next Christmas will be better, and that we can all exchange the stuffy food coma-induced ambiance in mum and dad’s living room for glitz, glam and glory.