February is here, which means the carnival season is starting! And while the “Fasnacht” celebrations are the main focus this month, there is a mix of other winter events happening if you want to avoid the confetti.
Below is a list of what is going on, with some context for each so you can decide if it’s actually something you want to do or if you’d be better off skipping it.
Your list with fun events around the country:
1st of February
Château-d’Oex: The International Hot Air Balloon Festival. Over 70 balloons launch from the valley, taking advantage of the specific microclimate. It’s a slow-paced event that is great for photography. However, if you are impatient or hate standing around in the cold waiting for wind conditions to settle, you might find it a bit tedious. When: from January 24th to February 1st.
Chiasso: Nebiopoli Carnival. The canton of Ticino starts the season early. The town becomes the “Free Republic of Nebiopoli,” mixing Italian style with Swiss tradition. It is a good option if you want to start the party early and like a Mediterranean atmosphere. If you prefer the strict organization of German-Swiss carnivals, this one might feel a bit chaotic for you. Dates: January 28th to February 1st.
Murten: Murten Light Festival If you want to see the medieval town illuminated by light projections, this is your last chance for the season. It’s walkable, atmospheric, and very visual.
Lyss: The Lyss Carnival. Known as “Mir fiire,” this includes a children’s parade and street festivities. It’s a smaller, community-focused carnival that is solid for families. Dates: January 30th to February 1st.
5th of February
Geneva: The Antigel Festival. This cultural festival uses various venues across Geneva for music, dance, and performance art. It is interesting if you like indie music or contemporary culture in unexpected locations (like swimming pools). Dates: February 5th to February 28th.
6th of February
Evolène: Carnaval d’Evolène. Forget the confetti. In this valley, people dress up in animal skins and massive wooden masks (“Peluches”) to scare away evil spirits. It looks more like a scene from a pagan history documentary than a modern party. The Vibe: Primal, slightly terrifying, and incredibly authentic. Context: The main “Déferlante des Peluches” is on Sunday, Feb 15th. It’s a visual masterpiece. If you want to see what Swiss traditions looked like 500 years ago, go here.
Estavayer-le-Lac: Carnaval d’Estavayer. This carnival has a very specific tradition: the Burning of the Perch. They hang a giant papier-mâché fish (a perch) in the town and burn it at the end of the festival on Sunday. Why go? It is a bit grim but very local. It is a smaller, medieval town carnival. Great if you want to see a tradition that feels very “Fribourg,” but don’t expect the scale of Lucerne.
7th of February
Scuol: Hom Strom. A very old custom where schoolchildren burn a straw man in Gurlaina. It is a specific, local tradition that feels quite ancient. If you like small-village customs, this is worth seeing. Date: February 7th.
Lenk: The International Dog Sled Race. You can watch the races and visit the vendor stalls in the “Dörfli” at the finish area. It’s a good day out if you like dogs and winter sports, but expect it to be cold and outdoors the whole time. Dates: February 7th and 8th.
8th of February
St. Moritz: White Turf. Horse racing on the frozen lake. It takes place over three Sundays in February (8th, 15th, and 22nd). The event is known for luxury, gourmet food and skijoring races. If you enjoy people-watching and a high-end atmosphere, it is interesting. If you prefer a casual Sunday without a dress code, you might find the vibe a bit too fancy.
12th of February
Lucerne: Luzerner Fasnacht. One of the main carnivals in Switzerland. It starts at 05:00 am on Schmutziger Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday). It is loud, crowded and VERY interactive. If you like being in the middle of the party, it’s great. If you value personal space or quiet, stay away from the city. Dates: February 12th to 17th.
Bellinzona: Rabadan Carnival. This has run for over 160 years and includes parades and a risotto distribution. It is a massive street party with an Italian feel. If you like late nights and crowds, it the place to be and on Sunday there is a parade. Dates: February 12th to 17th.
Lötschental: Tschäggättä Carnival. This is probably the most unique (and slightly terrifying) tradition in Switzerland. Locals wear massive wooden masks and fur skins to become “Tschäggättä” and roam the valley. If you want to see something that feels ancient and primal, this is it. The main parades are on the 12th and 14th, but you might run into a beast anytime during the week. Just don’t provoke them, they are allowed to stuff you in the snow! Dates: February 3rd to 17th (Main parades: 12th & 14th).
Zug: As part of the “Zuger Chesslete” on Dirty Thursday, this unique event features a Guinness World Record attempt for the world’s smallest parade, forcing participants to march single-file through a tiny historic alley that was once a sewage canal.
Solothurn: Solothurner Fasnacht. The baroque city turns into a party zone for the week. It is a bit smaller than Lucerne or Basel but still very active. Dates: February 12th to 18th.
Broc: Carnival in Broc. A regional carnival in Fribourg with Guggenmusik and parades. It is a good stop if you are already in the area, perhaps visiting the Maison Cailler chocolate factory nearby. Dates: February 12th to 15th.
13th of February
Fribourg: Carnaval des Bolzes. This takes place in the “Basse-Ville” (Old Town) of Fribourg. The “Bolzes” are the historic residents of this district and their carnival is full of black humour and satire. The location is stunning, the parade winds through the medieval stone bridges and cliffs of the valley. It has a very different energy than the German-Swiss carnivals. It feels a bit more rough-around-the-edges and authentic. The Sunday parade (Feb 15) is the main highlight.
Chur: Churer Fasnacht. The capital of Graubünden hosts a massive party. Why go? It’s the biggest carnival in the southeast but still significantly smaller than the main ones in Lucerne and Basel. If you are skiing in Lenzerheide or Arosa, this is a perfect evening trip. Dates: February 13th to 18th.
14th of February
Lausanne: Japan Impact. A festival dedicated to Japanese culture at EPFL. If you are into anime, cosplay, or just really good ramen, this is a huge weekend event. It’s completely different from the traditional Swiss vibes elsewhere this month. Dates: February 14th and 15th.
Mörlialp: Night Horn Sled Race. The “Hornschlitten” is a traditional sledge that looks like it belongs in a museum, but locals race them at high speeds at night. If you want an adrenaline-filled alternative to a romantic Valentine’s dinner, this is it. Date: February 14th.
18th of February
Splügen: Pschuuri. On Ash Wednesday, the village of Splügen goes a bit crazy. “Pschuuri” means “to blacken.” In the afternoon, masked figures roam the streets trying to catch unmarried women and children to paint their faces black with soot. It sounds chaotic and it is. If you want to see a very specific village custom that hasn’t changed in decades, this is the one. Date: February 18th (Ash Wednesday).
19th of February
Bern: Berner Fasnacht. Bern starts its carnival later than the others, on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday. It kicks off with the “bear liberation” from the prison tower. It’s the third-largest carnival in Switzerland and generally feels a bit more accessible and relaxed than Basel, but still happily loud. Dates: February 19th to 21st.
20th of February
Payerne: Brandons de Payerne This is one of the oldest carnivals in Switzerland and a major event in the French-speaking part (Vaud). It’s known for its specific “Chinelles” dancers and a generally chaotic but friendly vibe. If you want to experience a “Welsch” carnival that rivals the German-Swiss ones, this is the one to go to. Dates: February 20th to 23rd.
Zurich: ZüriCarneval. Yes, even the bankers party eventually. While Zurich isn’t famous for Fasnacht, this weekend brings Guggenmusik (marching bands) to the Niederdorf and a parade on Sunday. Why go? It is right on your doorstep. You don’t have to travel. Context: Let’s be honest, compared to Basel or Lucerne, this is “Fasnacht Lite.” If you just want a taste of the music and confetti without the intense crowds or travel, it is perfect. But if you want the real experience, get on the train to Lucerne or Basel instead.
Glarnerland: Waterslide Contest. This is exactly what it sounds like. They build a pool of icy water at the bottom of a ski slope, and people try to skim across it on skis or snowboards (or in costumes). Most people fail and get soaked. It’s hilarious to watch with a drink in hand at the après-ski bar. Date: February 21st.
22nd of February
Liestal: Chienbäse. On the Sunday evening before the Basel carnival, people carry large burning bundles of wood through the town gate. It is visually impressive and hot. If you like fire spectacles, go see it. When: Sunday evening, February 22nd.
23rd of February
Basel: Basler Fasnacht. The biggest carnival in Switzerland starts at 04:00 am on Monday. All lights go out for the Morgenstreich. It is satirical, artistic and strict. Spectators are expected to watch quietly and not join the march. If you appreciate art and satire, it is unique. I kinda find Basel a lil rigid compared to Lucerne but still stunning and fun. Dates: February 23rd to 25th.
26th of February
Zurich: Art on Ice. Figure skating and live music at the Hallenstadion. It is a polished, big-production show. If you like skating galas, it is a fun night. Dates: February 26th to March 7th.
Nyon: Les Hivernales. A music festival that wakes up the town of Nyon in the dead of winter. Why go? It features great electronic, rock, and pop acts in various venues. A perfect indoor alternative if you are tired of freezing outside at carnivals and happen to be in the area. Dates: February 26th to March 1st.
28th of February
Madulain: Chalandamarz. This ancient tradition of chasing away winter with heavy bells usually happens on March 1st, but the village of Madulain celebrates a day early this year. If you want to see the cutest Swiss tradition involving kids in costumes and big bells, it’s heartwarming. But if you value your sleep, be warned: the “Clamer oura” (bell ringing) starts at 3:00 AM to wake up the village! Date: February 28th.
So that’s it from my side, always happy to hear from you! Feel free to share if you been to some of the events I post about and how you liked it ! If you spot me on one of the events don’t hesitate to say hi 🙂
