Festivals in Switzerland to add to your bucket list
World Snow Festival
The 40th World Snow Festival takes place in the beautiful mountains of Grindelwald. Brilliant sculptures by artists will be on display across the Bernese Alps. The snow sculptures are usually judged by a jury, and viewing is free for everyone.
When: January 16-21, 2023
Where from: Grindelwald
Basel carnival
The Basel Fasnacht, one of the largest local carnivals in Switzerland, is an annual festival and has also been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. During the three-day carnival, locals dress up in a variety of lively costumes and throw confetti, which is considered a big part of the celebrations. Cliques of people usually choose themes and dress accordingly. On the first day of the festival, there is also a parade that runs through the inner and outer avenues of the city.
When: February 27 to March 1, 2023
Where from: Basel
six ring
Celebrated in the Swiss city of Zurich, Sechseläuten, which translates to “The Ringing of the Bells at Six O’Clock,” is a traditional spring holiday celebrated to welcome the arrival of summer in the country. The activities involved burn a rag doll that resembles a snowman, with the heat generated symbolizing the warmer, sunnier days ahead.
When: 3rd Monday in April
Where from: Zurich
Zurich fascht
The Züri Fäscht or Zurich Festival is considered the largest summer festival in Switzerland. It’s like a typical summer party with lots of food, music, fireworks and millions of attendees. There is a range of adventure sports for water and air carnival rides spread over a large fairground. This summer carnival has been held every three years since 1951.
When: July 7-9, 2023
Where from: Zurich
Fete de L’Escalade
An annual festival held on the darkest nights of December to commemorate the thwarting of an attempted conquest of the city in 1602. The duke of the Duchy of Savoy – a western Catholic country between 1416 and 1860 – planned a surprise attack to make Geneva his capital and crushed Protestant practice in the city, but was defeated by the locals and defenders. This happened between the nights of December 11th and 12th. To celebrate, locals are now preparing a large chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan and cooking up vegetables and candies wrapped in red and gold, the colors of Geneva. They also cook mulled wine and vegetable soup, while children in colorful costumes go door to door asking for candy, much like Halloween.
When: December 12 or nearest weekend
Where from: Geneva
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