Savoyard troops sent by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy attempted a surprise attack during the night of 11–12 December 1602, but were repulsed by the Genevese defenders.

According to legend, this was possible thanks to individual acts of bravery by Genevese citizens, notably by local resident Catherine Cheynel (also known as la Mère Royaume), who dumped boiling vegetable soup on the invaders and alerted the townsfolk.

[citation needed] The citizens of Geneva defeated the invaders by preventing them from scaling the wall using cannon fire, and by fighting in the streets against the few who managed to climb over.

Celebrations include a large marmite (cauldron) made of chocolate and filled with marzipan vegetables and candies wrapped in the Geneva colours of red and gold.

It is customary for the eldest and youngest in the room to smash the marmite, while reciting, "Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République! "

Other traditions include mulled wine, large servings of vegetable soup, and children in various types of costumes knocking on people's doors and singing l'Escalade songs for candies.

The high school students parade together by first going to "conquer" each other and end up in the central square of the old town after walking through the rues basses to the plaine de Plainpalais and back.

[9] The story of L'Escalade is told in a song called "Cé qu'è l'ainô", written in a Franco-Provençal dialect around 1603 by an unknown author.