Carnival calendar: When and where the shreds fly
17.1.2018
Translation: machine translated
The fifth season is coming soon. The carnival is just around the corner. Smaller or larger parades take place in several places in Switzerland. Here you will find an overview of when and where the most confetti will be flying and where you should go if you don't want to miss any of it.
Lucerne Carnival 8 - 13 February
On "Dirty Thursday", 8 February at 5 a.m., the Lucerne Carnival begins with the Fritschitagwache (Big Bang). It lasts until the following Tuesday and offers several parades and various spectacles during this time. You can find more information here.
Altstätter Fasnacht 8 - 13 February
The carnival in Altstätten begins on 8 February with "Dirty Thursday" and lasts until Tuesday, 13 February. Altstätten is a small town in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley and the carnival stronghold in Eastern Switzerland. You can find more information here.
Bellinzona carnival 8 - 13 February
In Bellinzona, they call the carnival "Rabadan". It takes place from 8 to 13 February and offers an entertaining weekend with a varied programme, not just for die-hard carnival fans. You can find more information here.
Biel Carnival 14 - 18 February
The Biel/Bienne carnival lasts from 14 to 18 February. It is popular with young and old alike and offers a varied programme over the carnival days. You can find more information here.
Berner Fasnacht 15 - 17 February
On Thursday, 15 February, the Bern Carnival traditionally begins with the liberation of the bears at the "Chäfigturm" and ends on Saturday, 17 February with a large carnival parade through the city centre. You can find more information here.
Zürcher Fasnacht 16 - 18 February
In Zurich, carnival is not as important as in Lucerne or Basel. Nevertheless, a carnival also takes place here from 16 to 18 February. The parade takes place in the centre of the city along the River Limmat. You can find more information here.
Basel Carnival 19 - 21 February
On Monday, 19 February, the carnival in Basel begins at 4 am with the Morgenstreich. From then on, a state of emergency applies for 72 hours. Basel Carnival is the most famous and largest carnival in Switzerland. You can find more information here.
Do you still need a costume?
You can find all our costumes here
What else might be suitable for carnival:
Here's another tip for the anti-Fasnacht fans among you
You don't like the whole carnival fuss? Don't fancy fancy dress and Guggenmusik? Then escape is the only option for you. Avoid the cities mentioned above, especially during this time. You're best served if you hide away in a remote ski resort or go abroad, because in February there's some kind of carnival going on in almost every little town in Switzerland, no matter how small.
Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.
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