The Swiss Carnival is called "Fasnacht". And as it is custom in our neck of the woods, Fasnacht can differ from town to town. Over 200 carnivals take place throughout Switzerland, and though traditionally most last from Dirty Thursday to Ash Wednesday, some of them are celebrated anywhere between end of January and May. In fact, the largest Swiss carnival in Basel breaks with the tradition too and starts on Monday following Ash Wednesday.
I use a few expressions throughout the carnival calendar below that might need some explanation:
January 26 - 29, 2017
Processions, street performances and party all night in the lakeside city of Thun in the Bernese Oberland.
February 17 - 19, 2017
FAKOS, the Schaffhausen Carnival always takes place 1 week before Maundy (fat) Thursday.
Here's the full program.Febraury 2017
Detailed info see here
February 23 - 28, 2017
Lucerne carnival festivities begin with a loud boom at exactly 5 am, always on Dirty Thursday. But even before that Lucerne gears up to the Fasnacht with two carnival markets held before the official start.
Program see here.
February 22 - 28, 2017
Various events everyday throughout the city.
Program see here.
February 23 - 29, 2017
Program of Sion's carnival madness see here.
February 22 - March 1, 2017
More info on the 'foolish days' of Solothurn here.
February 23 - 28, 2017
There are many events every day throughout the city.
The program of the 'most beautiful time of the year' see here.
February 24 and March 04/05, 2017
Parade, parties and market in the smallest cantonal capital of Switzerland, Glarus. But they do know how to party :) Program see here.
February 24 - March 1, 2017
The Alpen city's various programs see here.
February 25 - 28, 2017
Every day is a party day in the "Basse Ville" (Lower town).
Full program see here.
March 01 - 05, 2017
Biel (in German) and Bienne (in French), the lovely city on its namesake lake gets 'masked up' during the craziest time of year.
Program see here.
March 02 - 04, 2017
Even our cozy and relaxed capital gets a little crazy during its carnival.
Full programm see here.
March 03 - 06, 2017
Usually six weeks before Easter, this medieval hamlet celebrates one of the oldest Swiss carnival traditions. Brandons-torches of straw are used to light the fire and chase winter away.
Full program see here.
March 03 - 06, 2017
The Rosen city's carnival activites end with the burning of the Böögg (the boogie man) on the last day.
Full program see here.
March 05 - 11, 2017
The height of the carneval season in Liesthal is the "Chienbäsä" on 14 February at 7:15pm. Fire is an integral part of many rites and customs. The glowing "Chienbäsä torches" symbolize the sun that breaks the darkness of winter.
Program see here.
March 05 - 09, 2017
Close to Basel, another colourful and interesting carnival takes place in Sissach. The most impressive events are the torch parade on Sunday, the "Morgenstraich" on Monday morning at 4am and the burning of the Chluri, a wooden figure depicting an official person. Kind of a funeral march as a good by to carnival and to a new start (fire ceremony - highly recommended) on the last day at 7:30pm.
Program see here.
March 06 - 08, 2017
Always Monday to Thursday following Ash Wednesday.
Switzerland's largest carnival starts with with a bang, the "Morgenstreich" at exactly 4am when the street lights are turned off. Fifer and drummers march through the streets, and carnival cliques carry big lanterns to illuminate downtowns dark streets and alleys. All day entertainment of Guggen concerts, processions and performances by a variety of cliques throughout downtown as well as in Restaurants, museums and theatres. Sunday-Matinee at the "Tramdepot BVB", starting at 11am. Die-hard carnival enthusiasts never miss this festival.
Program see here.
February 23 - 28, 2017
The claim is that this is Switzerland's second largest carnival (after Basel), although I am not sure if Lucerne likes to hear that :-) The Rabadan takes place in the castle city of Bellinzona.
Program see here.
1 March
The ancient tradition of Chalandamarz is a pagan festival and celebrates the beginning of spring. It takes place in the Engadin and Albula valleys, Val Mustair and Oberhalbstein, usually on March 1. However there are some events that take place one day earlier or later. So do check with the local tourism office before you go. One of the best can be seen in Guarda (Engadin).
March 26, 2017
The Groppen Carnival in Ermatingen offers all-day street fests, cabarets, music, dance and parades. A fabulous day for the whole family.
Program see here.
March 11 - 12, 2017
If you haven't had enough of the "Guggenmuic" groups, then the Savogininer competitive Guggenmusic event is for you. Concerts, parties and dance until midnight.
Program see here.
April 21 - 24, 2017
This is not exactly a carnival, but it is a spring celebration with a carnival-like character to chase winter away, always celebrated on the 3rd Monday of April. Rather than fantasy carnival costumes, the participant wear traditional and historical clothing.
May 4 - 7, 2017
The carnival starts at the main square in the city center at 8pm on the first day and ends at 11pm on the last day.
The largest parades takes place on Sunday 10am and 2.30pm.
More info here.
To give you a taste of what Schnitzelbängg are doing and how they sound, here a video by the group "Schuumschläger", Basel:
Please share if you think this info was helpful. Thank you!
Copyright © 2011 - 2020 by Fida Wild, SwissVistas.com. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.