When and where to celebrate Swiss carnival
20.2.2019
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
It’s that time of year again: carnival is upon us! Various locations in Switzerland are home to parades of all shapes and sizes. Here’s an overview of where the most confetti will be hurled and where to head if you want to get as far away from it all as you can.
Lucerne Fasnacht 28 February to 5 March
Carnival in Lucerne kicks off on «Dirty Thursday» with a big bang (Fritschitagwache) at 5 in the morning. The party last until the following Tuesday and includes several parades and colourful spectacles. For more information click here.
Altstätter Fasnacht 28 February to 5 March
«Dirty Thursday» also launches carnival in Altstätten. Festivities start on 28 February and last until Tuesday, 5 March. Altstätten, a small town in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, is the carnival stronghold of Eastern Switzerland. For more information click here.
Carnavela di Bellinzona 28 February to 5 March
In Bellinzona, carnival is called «Rabadan». The madness takes place from 28 February to 5 March and is a highlight for die-hard fasnacht fans. For more information click here.
Biel Fasnacht 6 to 10 March
Biel carnival takes place from 6 to 10 March. The varied programme and cacophony of the brass bands is popular with all ages. For more information click here.
Bern Carnival 7 to 9 March
Bern Carnival traditionally begins with freeing the bear at the «Chäfigturm» on Thursday, 7 March. The city’s party ends with a large parade through the centre on Saturday, 9 March. For more information click here.
Zurich Fasnacht 8 to 11 March
Admittedly, Zurich carnival is not as high on the agenda of locals as it is in Lucerne or Basel. Nonetheless, the little big city hosts its very own festivities from 8 to 11 March. The parade leads through the centre of town along the Limmat. For more information click here.
Basler Fasnacht 11 to 13 March
«Morgestraich», Basel’s big bang, is rung in at 4 a.m. on Monday, 11 March. Three days of mayhem ensue in the city by the Rhine. The Basel Fasnacht is the most famous and largest carnival in Switzerland. For more information click here.
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Here's a tip for you anti-carnivalistas
All this carnival business not your bag? Not feeling costumes and noise? Then escape is the only option for you. Avoid the above-mentioned cities during this time. Run to the hills, find yourself a remote ski resort or cross the border into a different country. After all, in late February and early March, there’s carnival in progress in almost every small village in Switzerland.
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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