Where: Interlaken West (Bernese Oberland). The monastery town of St. Ursanne with its cobbled streets and squares and houses that date back to medieval times offers the perfect backdrop for this medieval festival. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Learn more Common.Of Lucerne Festival Before you go you might want to email Marianne to make sure the event takes place. From 12 to 14 August 2016. This festival is a must for every electronic music fan. Where: Näfels (Capital of the Canton Glarus). Valleys that were cut off in winter from the rest of Switzerland developed unique traditions that are alive to this day. The "funeral cortège" of the "Wailing Women" walk behind the Virgin Mary, represented by a young girl, through the town. From Zürich: approx. Before you go, check by email if the event hasn't been postponed. All it means is that this is a fabulous mountain fest with traditional Appenzell folklore music, yodel and dance in a stunning alpine locations and people wear their traditional colourful dress with rich embroideries and . Pop and rock with life bands in the family ski resort Grüsch-Danusa. The "Fête du printemps" is a ancient traditional spring festival. When: May 20 (exact date will be announced later). 10 October: Alpine fest with cattle drive; Friday: starting at 4pm, ending at midnight. When: 26 July - 13 August, 2019 (only every 20 years). Folklore entertainment from music to yodeling, flag throwing and more. Switzerland's craziest downhill race. The Escalade is the most popular festival in Geneva taking place in the city center every December as memory and celebration of proud defense of Genevans from the attack of Duke of Savoy’s army. The Innsbruck Festival, the oldest surviving festival for early music, will follow this tradition in July and August. Our various customs and folk traditions celebrate our rich visual and acoustic heritage. Where: Mostly in the Alpine regions of Graubünden, Glarus and the Bernese Oberland. The idea first launched in 1999 to stand out from other festivals by focusing on young up-and-coming ensembles and soloists is now being consistently developed. Where: Thun (Congress center KKL) (Canton Bern). Where: St. Moritz, Pontresina, Samedan, Champfèr, Silvaplana, Bever (Graubünden). If you are staying in the area during that time (beautful for hiking and exploring the Bregaglia Valley and the Engadin), then contact the Tourism Office for information. It's amazing how 'civilized' they behave and not push each other over the edge. Tennis Player. https://www.swissvistas.com/fairs-and-festivals-in-switzerland.html Due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, please be advised that schedules will change. Start at 10:30 am when the Vogel Gryff floats dancing to rhythms of the drums and gun salutes on a raft down the River Rhine. In the olden days when a young man picked up his girl from the farm in a horse drawn sled to attend a dance it was also meant as a marriage proposal. Affiliate Disclosure Entertainment. Check their website (link below). International Balloon Festival, Château-d’Oex. 5 minutes by foot from the train station). Europe. Save 84% off the newsstand price! An unusual custom is the mask festival that takes place in Loetschental, Canton Valais. Then please share it with your friends and on Social Media. Large market with over 80 stalls, exhibitions, all kinds of products made of apricots, concerts and performances. From the bus stop, you will have to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes the the fairgrounds. Approx. Great for kids too since there's a pig race and pony riding. Thousands of believers, visitors and viewers experience the return of the procession and the grand finale early afternoon in the festively decorated village of Beromünster where the impressive ceremony ends. The Montreux Jazz Festival is also another famous music festival held in the country. If you want to attend in 2017 make early reservations or phone +41 (0)27 948 00 48. Starting at 11am. The Maronatt (Chestnut roasting men) are roasting about 2000 kg Chestnuts over open fire during the "Sagra delle castagne e festa d'autunno" in the picturesque town of Ascona on Lago Maggiore. Superlative classical music in a stunning setting! Check on their website (link below). Approximately 120 Wrestler (Schwinger) will challenge each other. The Maibär parade has become a fixture in the "Bad Ragaz" event calendar. Because of the extensive preparations that are necessary for this elaborately celebrated event, the "Eierleset" only takes place every second year. Music, dance, fireworks, parades and the election of the Queen of Roses. Approximately 500 animals climb the steep slope up to Engstligenalp. When: Second Sunday in May, but do contact the Nyon Tourism Office for the exact date. Contact The world’s most-celebrated orchestras, legendary conductors, and virtuoso soloists gather in this idyllic setting nestled on Lake Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland, to celebrate a festival of music. However, the "Wii-Grill" is actually an insect. Traditional Festivals in Switzerland Year-round. The 18 km-long pilgrimage route leads over softly rising hills. The road passes through forests, hamlets and farms. Swiss prosecutors have accused the billionaire Beny Steinmetz of securing lucrative mining deals in the West African country of Guinea with bribes. Great atmosphere with music, dance, songs and culinary delicacies from both, the Zillertal and the Präättigau. But the highlight sure are the Saturday races of the different groups of witches. Special events most weekends during the tulip festival, with markets, special kids activities and cultural events. Did you like this Festival page? When: May 2020 (exact date will be announced). The idyllic bay of Spiez is one of the most romantic bays in Europe. Where: Grosse Scheidegg above Grindelwald (Bernese Oberland). Catch a bus at the main square in Sigriswil or in Beatenberg. An afternoon of Swiss folklore - yodel, music, and 1200 dancers entertain spectators on the fairground with their performances. Colourful groups of masks wander from house to house, where they ring their bells, yodel and wish each family per handshake a prosperous and happy new year. The celebration of centuries old wine making traditions in the Lavaux vineyards is an unforgettable spectacle that takes place in the medieval city of Vevey. Before crossing over the röstigraben – the … Sometimes, the smallest festival, only celebrated in that particular town or village, tells you more about our culture than the largest gathering can do. They have to overcome 600 metres in height on a short stretch. 600 cows return from the Alpine Pasture of Lüderenalp to Sumiswald. Where: Appenzell (capital of Appenzell Innerhoden), When: Last Sunday in April (yearly event). Have lunch on Engstligenalp before you return to Adelboden. From Zürich: approx. CORONA-VIRUS: Is it safe to travel to Switzerland? Celebrations on main street, starting shortly after 2pm; Evening party at 8pm in the Gymnasium. All day entertainment on multiple platforms in and around the "Kultur and Kongresszentrum KKL" Thun, Seestrasse 68. This is the biggest jazz festival in Europe (and second in the world after the Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada) and held on the banks of Lake Geneva. Grand traditional Alphorn competition: concerts, performances by folk groups, traditional dances - a true festival devoted to tradition and Swiss folklore. In our fast-paced world, our culture survives only when celebrated! One of the most important festivals for historically informed performances. Ambulance 144. When: 10 - 11 October, 2015 (postpone date in case of bad weather: 16 - 18 October). The old folk custom of "Eierleset" attracts approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes; From Lucerne: approx. Village festival atmosphere. Expect some of the biggest international names in not only jazz but in other musical genres, among the performers on two main auditoriums, the Montreux Jazz Café, and other smaller venues. April 20, 2020 Main event: Parade of the Guilds starting at 3pm - Burning of the Böögg at 6pm. There's probably not a weekend that goes by without a fair, a festival, or a traditional concert. A week long celebration of Alpine Culture. 70'000 spectators attend this festival of fireworks. The chestnut calls the valley of Bregaglia home and is celebrated during two weeks each October. From Carnival to yodelling festivals, Swiss customs and traditions are as varied as each of the cantons in the confederation. There are a variety of events each day, but some of them are only in German or Italian. Small but enchanting. Large indoor cheese market in Central Switzerland. The Swiss hot air balloon capital, Château-d’Oex in the … Coming home of the Cows from the Alpine Pasture in Schüpfheim - one of the largest cattle drives in Switzerland. It takes the "Brotherhood of Wine growers" about five years to organize the event with approx. Below is a list of many Orcas Island “Perennial” Events. Image Source. Carl Jung. Of course, it also needs knowledgeable volunteers who understand their job. Winterthur is only a half an hour train ride from Zürich. Charmey is reached by train and bus from Gruyères in 1 hour and 15 minutes. When: June 2023 (every three years - exact date will be announced). The highlight marks a feast with parades and evening entertainment during which the Queen and King are announced - usually one week after Mother's Day. Just 7 minutes by train from Biel/Bienne, and a little longer by boat. The "Wrestling and Alpine Fest" on Mount Rigi high above Lake Lucerne was already mentioned in the 16th century and therefore makes it one of the oldest such events in Switzerland. A huge summer party in Weggis on the shores of the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne). At 8:15pm, all lights go out and the procession starts. 40 wine growers offer wine for tasting and local specialties. In February, men and boys roam the streets wearing hand carved masks and goat skin tunics. Juggler, comedy, visual arts, music and barrel organ fest in Adelboden. When: August 5, 2019 (yearly event for over 20 years). Top of Festivals in Switzerland | Latest Pages, About/Impressum How to reach Spiez: by train from Interlaken in 25 minutes; from Thun in 9 minutes; from Bern in 30 minutes. The wide open landscape is dominated by meadows and fields. Roger Federer. Music plays an important role in the yearly festivals, but so does cuisine, dance and history. Please contact the tourism offices: This is an old tradition celebrated in many villages in Graubünden, though not as elaborate as in the Engadin. This traditional event takes place every year just before or after the day of Prayer and Repentance (3rd Sunday in September). The Grape Harvest Festival takes off on Friday evening at 6pm with a parade. It starts in Degenau and ends in Kradolf. Cattle drive. In the price included are: Complete 6-course dinner including soft drinks and at least 12 different wines, bus transfer, and a memory glass. Fireworks, live music, and good food. This is part of the regular Belalp Derby. The festival "Les Médiévales" takes place every year on the second weekend in July. Documents give evidence that women and girls partake actively in this unique shooting event since 1579. Do contact the tourism office in Saas-Fee before you go to check if the event hasn't been postponed due to bad weather conditions. They are a fun event for the whole family. Traditional horn-sled and toboggan races have a long tradition in Switzerland and are among the winter highlights. 5pm Torchlight procession and St. Nicholas Market. The nation stops for its annual Liechtenstein holiday- National Day on August 15, with plenty of festivities and fireworks throughout the land. Where: Mount Männlichen (Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland). Those interested in alternative music, check out Openair St. Gallen and Bernese Gurten festivals. A strenuous climb along a rock face on a narrow path over rocks, steps and past a waterfall brings them up to a plateau where they spend about three months each summer. Albeuve is reached by train in just over one hour from the city of Fribourg via Bulle, and in 13 minutes from Gruyères. 6 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND, TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY – SWITZERLAND ON A BUDGET, 10 Things to Do in Switzerland This Christmas, Switzerland : Top 10 Festivals You Should Absulotly Assist, 5 Swiss Music Festivals You Can not Miss This Summer, 2- International Balloon Festival, Château-d’Oex, 8- Interlaken International Street Artists Festival, 9 Reasons to Visit Switzerland in the Winter, 10 Things To Do In Switzerland This Christmas, Valentine Day: Top Places to Explore Switzerland With Your Lover, Switzerland in Winter – Switzerland Winter Itinerary. LUCERNE FESTIVAL attracts classical music stars from all over the world. Colourful parade. The coming home of the cows is celebrated with a large farmers market with over 30 stalls, food and music. If you want to stay for the night (highly recommended) make early reservations. 800 sheep from the Alpine pasture where they have spent their summer. Come in the wee hours of this Monday morning for breakfast. The Zurich Festival (Zuri Fascht) is one of the largest celebrations in the city of Zurich hosts and is a 3-day event that happens once every three years. A spectacle with historic significance held in Kleinbasel (district in the city of Basel). The largest cheese market in Central Switzerland, including dairy show. The cows are expected anywhere between 10am and noon. may be the most famous, but there are many other traditional celebrations in German-speaking Europe, ranging from the bizarre “Dinner for One” New Year’s custom to Karneval (Mardi Gras) and pumpkin festivals around Halloween. Two children aged 7 - chosen by draw lots - will be crowned Spring Queen and Spring King. The highlight is the parade that starts at 1.15pm at the National Equestrian Centre (Nationales Pferdezentrum) and ends at approximately 2pm on the "Bundeshausplatz". Le Boéchet can be reached by train from Biel/Bienne in one hour, and from La Chaux-de-Fonds in 18 minutes. Switzerland's largest and iconic open air festival. They chase away the winter spirits, welcome spring and draw quite a crowd, depending on the weather. This is a unique event and it can't get anymore authentic. Switzerland set to vote on scrapping free movement with EU. Fall fair and parade on Switzerland's most beautiful bay. 1 hour and 18 to 43 minutes by train and bus; From Bern: approx. It's a fun party for children with games, food, plays and music. The Swiss Artist Exchange is Switzerland's biggest event in the field of small arts, cabaret and comedy shows. There are many more products made of chestnut offered during this colourful fall festival. The "Rassegna d’autunno" is a colourful fall fest, and believe me, the Ticinesi know how to party. Celebrate the end of summer and experience typical Appenzell music while sampling cheese delicacies. When: anywhere between end of January to May. Take your time and choose your destination. 2 hours and 50 minutes; From Chur (Graubünden's capital): approx. This content was published on June 8, 2017 - 15:57 June 8, 2017 - 15:57 Eluveitie is a Swiss folk metal band that has gained international reco… Considered one of the most important European classical festivals. Here, a couple in their best finery is carried through the winter landscape on a horse-drawn sleigh. 40 minutes. then this is a cultural festival not to miss. 14 September, 2015: Monday market. Where: Spiez on Lake Thun (Bernese Oberland). If your thing is classical music, Lucerne Festival from Agust 10th to September 17th and Gstaad Festival in August and September will suffice your needs. The exact date of the event will be announced their website. When: April 21 - 24, 2017 (3rd Monday in April - yearly event). The coming home of approx. Swiss and international Music groups. Approx. Where: Bregaglia Valley (Canton Graubünden). Passenger flights are possible. This custom is celebrated since 1389. The celebration of Alpine culture: cattle drive, life music, alpine specialities and good food in the Prättigau village of Seewis. That's the time when the reserved Swiss get a bit crazy :) I've compiled a list of the most impressive ones. Morges is a beautiful city between Nyon and Lausanne and worth a visit year-round. They communicate with distinctive calls and whistles. It's a traditional event where wrestlers show their skill, alpine famers and herdsmen, alphorn blowers, flag throwers, yodelers and whip crackers celebrate their tradition, accompanied by folklore music. What started as a small folk festival is now Switzerland’s biggest outdoor music event: the Paléo Festival (or just Paléo) is a massive, family-friendly music festival with international names from all musical genres performing on six stages – there are around 250 individual concerts – over six days. many different languages spoken in our small country make the mix even more interesting The Canton Valais is Switzerland's largest apricot producing region and celebrates the rich harvest with a thank giving festival every two years. You’ll have to rise right on time to witness the start of this huge and popular carnival – it starts at 4 am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday. Every January Grindelwald hosts the international Snow Festival, international artists converge on the natural ice rink in the village of Grindelwald for six days. Colourful groups of masks wander from house to house, where they ring their bells, yodel unique to the Appenzell, and wish each family per handshake a prosperous and happy new year. Open Air Stage with a magnificent view to Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. When: Mid May 2021 (every three years - exact date will be announced later). Traditional St. Nicholas and christmas Market. Party at the barn starts at 8 pm. Kat Graham. Switzerland lies at the crossroads of several major European cultures.Three of the continent's major languages, German, French and Italian, are national languages of Switzerland, along with Romansh, spoken by a small minority.Therefore, Swiss culture is characterized by diversity, which is reflected in a wide range of traditional customs. Starting at 8 am in the Brünig Arena in Brünig-Hasliberg (approx. The "Eierleset" (roughly translated as "Egg collecting") is an ancient spring tradition and symbolizes the awakening of nature. 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