Ok ok OK- March is here and we are talking about the last month of winter! Which should also mean for you: The last chance to enjoy the Fasnacht Carnivals around Switzerland in FULL power!
So yes, aside from catching up on the last snow and winter activities there is AS USUAL plentyyy to see and do. And you all know that I got you covered. So let’s dive right into it:
Events that start in February and continue through March:
Lucerne: The Luzern’s Fasnacht is one of the most important Fasnacht events in Switzerland! The crazy Fasnachtsumzug parade takes place on Schmutziger Donnerstag 27.02 (Dirty Thursday) at 14:00. The second parade takes place on Monday 03.03 at 14:00.
Einsiedeln: Schmutziger Donnerstag in Einsiedeln takes place on February 27th. With a Seniorenumzug at 9:15 AM, a Children’s Parade at 14:00 and in the evening the Beizenfasnacht starting at 20:00. The Sühudiumzug will take place on Monday (03.03) at 09:00 and with the big parade at 14:00.
Bellinzona: The Bellinzona carnival known as Rabadan is a prominent event in Ticino for over 150 years! When for 6 days and nights From 27.02-04.03 the kingdom of King Rabadan comes to life. The festival features parades, Guggenmusik concerts, rope pulling tournaments, and the distribution of risotto and luganighe (pork sausages) throughout the old town. Parades on Saturday at 14:00, and the big one on Sunday at 13:30.
St. Gallen: St. Gallen Fasnacht offers lively events, including Guggenmusik concerts in the city center and a parade on Sunday (02.02) at 14:00. Dates: 27.02-02.03.
Sion: The Carnival of Sion is one of the largest annual events in the city. When: 27.02-04.03.
Saint-Maurice: A carnival in Saint-Maurice with a big procession on March 2nd at 14:30. Dates: 27.02- 04.03.
Fribourg: Carnaval des Bolzes– between 28.02-04.03. The night procession on Saturday starts at 20:30 and the big procession is on Sunday at 14:30. The big procession has an entrance fee of cost 10.- CHF for adult mainly for the organization, Kids under 16 years old pay 5.- CHF and under 5 years old it’s free.
Chur: The Chur’s Fasnacht features noisy vibrant disguises, and a lively atmosphere. Stands as an insider’s gem and draws tens of thousands annually. Featuring the Saturday parade at 14:00, Sunday’s children’s parade and Monday’s Schnitzelbank evening. Dates: 28.02-05.03.
Murten: The Carnival Murten is a traditional carnival celebration featuring parades, Guggenmusik performances and a lively atmosphere in the town of Murten. The big parade will take place on Sunday March 2nd at 15:00.
Romont: The crazy people are going all out! On the program: The Grand procession on Saturday at 14:30 and children’s parade right before at 14:00. Dates: 28.02-01.03.
Ramsen: A carnival in Ramsen will take place between 28.02-02.03.
1st of March
Zug: The Zug Fasnacht features the main Fasnachtsumzug im Herti on March 1st, at 14:00. And additional parades in Steinhausen on February 28th, Baar on March 2nd, and a children’s parade in Baar on March 3rd, offering a diverse carnival experience.
Engadin: Chalandamarz is an ancient Roman-rooted Engadin tradition on March 1st, where children parade with bells to drive away winter, with specific roles and costumes for each participant, and it is a celebration for everyone. The tradition is widely known through the book and movie “Schellen-Ursli”. Celebrated in various location in the region
Appenzell: The Appenzell Fasnacht features a colorful parade starting at 14:00 (I recommend to be there already at 13:15). The event is a traditional carnival celebration with music and food.
Les Mosses: The International Sled Dog Race. Teams of sled dogs and mushers competes in a race through the scenic landscape. The event will take place on the 1st and 2nd of march 2025.
Laax: The Banked Slalom Laax is a snowboarding culture event that combines competition and community, challenging riders to navigate a course of banked turns. The event is held in LAAX, a well known snowboarding area.
Winterthur: The Laufsporttag Winterthur on March 1st, is a part of the ZKB Zürilauf Cup series, offering races for all ages.
Malbun: The Malbun Carnival parade, the highest altitude parade in Europe, features creatively designed floats and music in a snowy Alpine setting, with road closures for cars and buses in Malbun starting at 13:00.
Peccia: The Carnival Peccia Valle at Piano di Peccia features a free lunch with risotto, sausage, meat, and cheese at 12:00 PM, followed by a tombola at 1:30 PM, and a mask ceremony for school-aged children at 2:30 PM.
2nd of March
Evolène: The Evolène Carnival is a traditional celebration with the Peluches (furry costumed figures) taking over the village. Key events include the “Plush and Stuffed animals on the rampage” parade on March 2nd at the end of mass, a children’s parade and fancy-dress competition also on March 2nd.
Baden: The Badener Fasnacht creates a lively street carnival atmosphere in Baden’s city center. Starting on February 27th till March 4th with the parade taking place on Saturday March 2nd at 14:00.
Wiler: The Wiler Fasnachtsumzug with Guggenmusic, and the traditional Tschäggättä, starting at 14:00 and parades through the village.
Brig: The Great Upper Valais carnival parade in Brig features a procession starting at 14:00 with musical performances, creating a festive atmosphere in the city.
Morgins: The ISMF World Championships Région Dents du Midi, held in Morgins, features top athletes competing in ski mountaineering events. Dates: March 2nd-8th.
Samedan: The Engadin Marathon Week takes place on the second Sunday of March. Featuring a series of cross-country skiing events in the Engadin region, attracting both competitive and recreational skiers.
4th of March
Ascona: The risotto carnival- The carnival of Ascona is celebrated on Mardi Gras along the beautiful lake promenade on Piazza G. Motta. Along with tasting of risotto and local sausages serves around starting at 12:00.
Veysonnaz: The Night of Fire in Veysonnaz on March 4th, offers a unique winter experience with a night-time ski descent and fire-themed entertainment, encouraging participants to dress up in carnival costumes.
Crans-Montana: The Carnival in Crans-Montana starts at 13:30, followed by a parade led by the Guggenmusik “Dragons” from the Place des Charmettes. The event is a family friendly carnival celebration. In the evening you can enjoy the Ice Disco at the Ycoor skating rink!
Nendaz: The Carnival in Nendaz features parades, music and festive celebrations throughout the village.
5th of March
Splügen: The Pschuuri carnival custom in Splügen involves preschoolers and kindergarteners parading in the morning to collect sweets, followed by the “Mashgera” searching for hidden students and single women in the afternoon.
Herisau: The Herisau carnival features various events. Dates: 05-10.03. The program includes a Fool’s village, a children’s procession, Guggen performances and more.
5th of March
Herisau and Waldstatt: The Gidio Hosestoss carnival tradition features a straw puppet funeral procession on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, with humorous mock funeral services and costumed participants, starting at 15:00 in Herisau and 13:30 in Waldstatt. The effigy is then burned on Funkensonntag, March 9th.
Thayngen: The Thaynger Fasnacht is one of the region’s largest carnivals and it takes place on March 5th-8th.
Lausanne: Les Printemps de Sévelin, a contemporary dance festival showcasing both international and Swiss dance performances.
6th of March
Bern: The Bern Carnival is the third-largest carnival event in Switzerland! Kicking off on Thursday with the traditional “Bärebefreiig” (Bear Liberation), awakening and freeing the bear from hibernation in the cage tower. Dates: 06-08.03.
Biel: Biel’s Carnival, commences as the mayor hands over the keys to the city to “Prince Carnival” for a five-day celebration. The traditional carnival unfolds, featuring concerts, visits to adorned restaurants, and lively festivities in carnival cellars and tents. Dates: 06.03-09.03.
Tesserete: Carnevale Tesserete Or Penagin in Tesserete, Canton Ticino. The term translates to ‘he who uses the churn’ and symbolizes butter-making. The carnival features ‘His Majesty Or Penagin’ as the king, dressed as a peasant, and the ‘Prime Minister Porta Penagia’ in formal attire, maintaining a tradition dating back to 1900. The 3-day event includes highlights like the famous risotto and a Shrove Saturday procession, concluding with the ‘assault on the cuccagna pole. Dates: 06.03-08.03.
Brissago: The Carnival of King Pitoc in Brissago is a 4-day celebration with Ambrosian rites, festivities in the Town Hall Square and concludes with the burning of a clown effigy. Dates: March 6th- 9th.
Ermensee: The Fridolin’s Light Float on March 6th in Ermensee features school children floating candlelit wooden poles down the Aabach river at dusk, creating a beautiful spectacle.
Andermatt: The Freeride Days Andermatt, from March 6th to 9th, offer a variety of freeriding courses, a free ski and snowboard test on Saturday and après-ski activities.
7th of March
Zurich: The ZüriCarneval from March 7th to 9th brings a vibrant atmosphere to the city with Guggen marching bands, parades, and lively bars.
Payerne: The Brandons of Payerne is one of Switzerland’s oldest carnivals. It transforms the town into a realm of creative costumes, magical beings, and vibrant floats. When: 07.03-10.03.
Geneva: The Geneva International Motor Show offers a chance to explore the latest car models, with nearly 200 vehicles on display, plus test drives and fun activities for all ages, including racing simulators, a go-kart track, and a treasure hunt.
Mürren: Experience exciting snow sports action at the Night-Big-Air Contest and the Slopestyle competition in the Pända Snowpark, offering thrilling entertainment for spectators.
8th of March
Zweisimmen: The Rinderberg Derby, a public downhill ski race, takes place on the original slope from the Rinderberg-Spitz to Zweisimmen, with categories for ambitious skiers, families, and children. Après-ski parties follow at the Lothar Bar.
9th of March
Samedan: The 55th Engadin Ski marathon, a renowned cross-country ski race, takes place on March 9th, covering a 42km course through the stunning Engadin valley.
10th of March
Basel: The carnival in Basel is probably the biggest one in Switzerland! Taking place from March 10th-12th. The large street parade called cortège takes place on Monday and Wednesday between 13:30-18:00.
13th of March
Engelberg: Freeride Days Engelberg, from March 13th to 16th, offers freeride and ski touring experiences, workshops with mountain guides, and a “Brand Village” at Alpstübli showcasing the latest gear.
Grimentz: The Giant X Tour Open & Pro in Grimentz, from March 13th to 15th, features ski and snowboard cross and freestyle competitions for both amateurs and professionals.
Nyon: The Festival du Film Vert (Green Film Festival) in Nyon, showcases films about environmental issues and sustainable living, with discussions and a focus on inspiring change. Dates: from March 13th to 16th.
14th of March
Yverdon-les-Bains: The Brandons d’Yverdon, a traditional carnival celebration, takes place from March 14th to 16th, with parades, music, and festive activities.
Lugano: The Make Your Move Urban Festival in Lugano, offers a diverse program of urban dance and culture, including workshops, contests, shows, and parties. Dates: March 14th-16th.
Adelboden: “Adelboden Live” is a new boutique event on March 14th and 15th, that combines music, nature, and food in the scenic village of Adelboden, featuring open-air concerts on the slopes and in the village, with various musical acts and culinary offerings.
Oey-Diemtigen: The Diemtigtaler Fasnacht in Oey-Diemtigen features a parade on Saturday, March 15th, at 14:00, followed by non-stop Guggenmusik and a DJ.
Sörenberg: Sörenberg winter festival, offering a variety of activities and entertainment for visitors. Dates: March 14th to 16th.
15th of March
Grindelwald: The International SAS Pentathlon in Grindelwald, challenges teams in five disciplines: giant slalom, ski jumping, curling, cross-country skiing, and swimming. Dates: March 15th- 17th.
Chandolin: L’Hivernale Sierre-Zinal Winter Race is a winter sports event offering challenges in running, skating, mountain biking, or ski touring along the scenic Chandolin-Tignousa-Hôtel Weisshorn route.
Kerzers: The Kerzerslauf, a classic running event with over 40 years of tradition, takes place on Saturday, offering 5km, 10km, and 15km races.
Braunwald: The Voralpencup Teamsprint in Braunwald on March 15th, features a cross-country skiing team sprint competition held on the Panoramaloipe Braunwald.
Aigle: The Comic Book Festival at the Château d’Aigle, held on March 15th and 16th, offers a chance to meet comic book artists and enthusiasts.
16th of March
Morgins: Rock the Pistes Festival, offers a unique experience with live concerts by international artists like Black M, La Femme, MC Solaar, and more. Dates: March 16th- 22nd, held on the slopes and accessible with a ski pass.
Lausanne: The Urban Trail Lausanne on March 16th, invites runners to explore the city’s hidden corners and historical landmarks while competing in a unique urban race.
Grindelwald: The Grand Prix Migros in Grindelwald is a ski race for children and young adults, offering a fun and competitive experience on the slopes.
17th of March
Silvaplana: The FIS Freestyle World Championships in Silvaplana, will feature the world’s best athletes competing in various freestyle skiing and snowboarding disciplines. Dates: March 17th- 30th.
19th of March
Locarno: The Locarno Camellia exhibition showcases over 1,000 camellia varieties in the beautiful Parco delle Camelie. Combine this with a boat trip to the Brissago Islands and visit the Botanical Garden for a complete experience. Dates: March 19th- 23rd.
Geneva: The Geneva Book Fair is a free event featuring authors like Maïtena Biraben, Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, and Jérôme Ferrari, with a “Window on the World” stage for debates, a comic book exhibition, and more. Dates and info: held from March 19th to 23rd, at Palexpo.
Veysonnaz: The FIS Paralympic World Cup in Veysonnaz showcases elite athletes competing in para-alpine skiing events. Dates: March 19th-25th.
Locarno (Solduno): Tortelli festival- The Sagra dei Tortelli in Solduno, Locarno, on March 19th, celebrates San Giuseppe with the distribution of traditional handmade tortelli (sweet fritters). Enjoy music, games, and food starting at 11:00.
20th of March
Moudon: Les Brandons in Moudon is a traditional carnival celebration with a parade, Guggenmusik performances, and a festive atmosphere. Dates: March 20th-23rd.
21st of March
Lucerne: The Honky Tonk Festival in Lucerne features 40 bands playing across 32 venues.
Fribourg: The Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF) promotes cultural diversity through cinema, showcasing films from around the world and offering a platform for discussion and reflection. Dates: March 21st- 30th.
La Neuveville: The Boogie-Woogie Festival in La Neuveville, from March 21st to 23rd, offers a lively atmosphere with international artists performing in various venues.
Verbier: The 2025 YETI Xtreme Verbier by Honda, the grand finale of the Freeride World Tour, takes place from March 22nd to 30th, with the world’s best free riders competing on the legendary Bec des Rosses.
22nd of March
Basel: The Interfinity Festival in Basel is an indoor festival focusing on electronic music, featuring various DJs and live acts across multiple stages. Dates: March 22nd- April 11th.
Tamaro: The Tamaro Trophy 2025 – Skoda Swiss Bike Cup is a mountain bike competition forming a stage of the Skoda Swiss Bike Cup. It will be held on the 22nd and 23rd of March.
23rd of March
Saas-Grund: The Mentelity Games in Saas-Grund is a unique ski and snowboard event for people with physical disabilities, offering a range of courses and activities to empower participants. Dates: March 23rd- 29th.
24th of March
Saas-Fee: The Swiss Snow Happening in Saas-Fee offers ski instructors and snow sports enthusiasts a chance to compete in various disciplines, enjoy live music and culinary experiences and celebrate the end of the season with memorable parties. Dates: March 24th- 27th.
26th of March
Morges: Divinum- The Swiss wine fair offers a chance to discover exceptional wineries and taste vintages from around the world, with a special focus on the “Conseil des Grands Crus Classés du Médoc en 1855” and their red wines.
27th of March
Les Collons: The Telemark World Cup Finals 2025 in Les Collons, from March 27th to 29th, showcase top athletes competing in three telemark skiing disciplines.
Davos: The Davos Coverfestival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a mix of snow sports and live music, featuring tribute and cover bands at various venues, including the Parsennhütte, Bolgen Plaza, and the legendary Bolgenschanze. Dates: March 27th- 30th.
28th of March
Avenches: The Avenches Carnival with colorful processions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Guggenmusik performances and a children’s procession with a confetti battle on Saturday. Carnival pins are available at the Tourist Office. Dates: March 28th- 30th.
Morges: The Tulip Festival in Morges features a stunning display of over 140,000 tulips with a “water” theme. Dates: March 28th- May 11th (although from my experience I recommend to come around mid April as in the beginning most of the tulips are still closed).
Zurich: The m4music Festival, taking place at Schiffbau, Moods, and EXIL on March 28th and 29th, is a significant event for the Swiss music scene, featuring 5 stages, over 40 shows, and an award ceremony.
Lugano: The Jeune Chopin Piano Competition & Music Festival at the Auditorio Stelio Molo, provides a platform for young pianists to showcase their talent and connect with renowned musicians like Martha Argerich. Dates: March 28th- 31st.
29th of March
Appenzell: Spark Saturday, the third Sunday before Easter, is when large bonfires are lit in Appenzell and surrounding villages to drive away winter, with a “Funkenbabe” firework effigy on top.
La Fouly: The Erika Hess Open in La Fouly offers a public giant slalom race for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with registration costing 10 CHF in advance or 15 CHF on site.
Andermatt: The King & Queen of the Mountain event in Andermatt combines sports and freeriding with a unique competition format. It starts with registration at 9:00 AM at the Gemsstock valley station, followed by the competition and a waterslide contest. The day concludes with music, an award ceremony, and an afterparty at the Pinte Club Andermatt.
Baden: The 24th Badener Limmat-Lauf offers various running distances, including the classic 13.2km Limmat-Lauf, with routes along the Limmat river. There are also shorter runs, therefore it is a running event for different levels of athletes.
30th of March
Muralto: The traditional fish festival in Muralto, at Piazzale Burbaglio, starting with a fishing contest at 6:30 AM, followed by celebrations, music, games, and a delicious lunch of polenta and merluzzo.
Manno: Vinissima- the Ticino Wine Festival, at the Suglio Center, featuring over 200 wines from 36 Italian and French producers. Entry is CHF 20 and includes tastings, a glass, and a discount voucher. Dates: March 30th-31st.
Morcote: The Morcote Scal, a competition race through the narrow streets of Morcote with breathtaking view.
