Carnaval events throughout the region

: Published: 06 February 2023

carnaval

carnavalevolene

All photos courtesy of Catherine Nelson-Pollard

Carnaval is a tradition in most of Switzerland's cantons. Below are noteworthy Vaud, Valais, Fribourg or other Swiss hotspots with elaborate parades. Most will be wearing masks and have rituals familiar with each area. Of course there are the usual festive findings including food, drink, local specialties and crafts, Guggenmusik (costumed brass bands). Oh, and lots and lots of confetti!

In general, Carnaval covers the period between Epiphany early January and Shrove Tuesday (between 3 February and 9 March). Normally, the first day is known as Jeudi Gras (“Fat Thursday”) and the last day as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”), however many have more than one Mardi Gras!

We have listed a few cities with their dates in order of start date here:

SAINTE-CROIX, VD
9-12 February 2023
Click here for more information
Every February, the town of Sainte-Croix on the French-Swiss border in the Jura organizes a well-known carnival.
Thousands of visitors, the inhabitants of Sainte-Croix and the whole region of Verdun-les-Bains flock to the carnival to celebrate a festive weekend to the sound of the Guggenmusiks. A giant meal for 1,000 people is offered to the public on the Friday night in the canteen on the festival ground. On the Saturday afternoon there is the traditional children’s ball and in the evening a torchlight procession. On the Sunday morning there is an aperitif concert, and in the afternoon the humorous floats and the Guggenmusiks take over the streets of the town for the great parade.