Top Traditional Swiss Events

Switzerland is a small yet beautiful country located in the heart of Europe. Numerous fascinating festivals and events are held there and are renowned in different corners of the world. As they say, modern and cultural festivals are plentiful, but the country's traditions are also worth noting. Everyone offers a unique perspective on Swiss traditions, whether it's the vibrant Basel Carnival or the sweet Chestnut Festival. Here, you will find the best traditional fests for those interested in experiencing the entire beauty of Switzerland.

1. Carnival of Basel

The biggest festival across Switzerland is “Fasnacht,” especially in Basel, where the primary Protestant carnival is usually held in February or March. People of 15,000 to 200,000, wearing gas masks and other protective gear, often attend the Rainbow Festival. Fasnacht starts at four o'clock and continues for 3 days, culminating in the middle. Each Fasnacht begins at four o’clock and lasts for 72 hours, starting at midnight on the Tuesday following Ash Wednesday.

As a part of Basel’s identity, Fasnacht represents the three days of revelry and reestablishes the city as the heart of that creation. It has been a UNESCO Intangible Heritage site since 2017, highlighting the identity and performance of the Fasnächtler, who enliven the carnival.

2. Sechseläuten

From mid-April to the last working day of April, Zurich opens for its most effervescent medieval spring festivity. In the summer semester, at six in the evening, the bell of the Grossmünster rings to mark the closing of the work day. It is now a given that this renewal ceremony signifies the beginning of spring and is held in celebration.

In the 19th century, the occasion even gained new focus through the “Böögg.” This doll resembles a snowman and is filled with firecrackers to represent winter. Traditionally, on the last Saturday in February, the Böögg is set on fire to predict the summer weather; people celebrate this tradition together.

3. Swiss Yodelling Festival

June highlights the Swiss Yodelling Festival, dedicated to the original form of singing from antiquity. On the other hand, choir singing became popular only in the 19th century, despite yodeling being primarily used to signal and communicate over long distances, especially in hilly terrains and remote areas.

An annual national celebration, which takes place in a different town every three years, is one of the most important and vivid Swiss traditional festivals. During the weekend, guests can enjoy Alive in many colors, music, a folklore show, and a gala dinner with the tastiest and most popular Swiss dishes.

4. International Alphorn Festival

Since the end of July, the Valais Drink Pure Alphorn Festival in Nendaz has celebrated this traditional instrument that farmers used to call their cows back to the barn from the pastures. Although it is no longer used daily, the alphorn is now an integral part of Swiss tradition and a popular tourist attraction.

During this vibrant and joyful festival, alphorn musicians from around the world gather in a mountain meadow near the village to play music. The event features a traditional costume procession, introductory courses for beginners, an official alphorn-blowing contest, and a series of stunning concerts with over 150 musicians on stage. It is a music festival that brings people together to celebrate music and unity within the beautiful environment of the Swiss Alps.

5. Swiss National Day

National Day of Switzerland is observed on the 31st of July and 1st of August to commemorate the unions established in the summer of 1291 between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden as the base of the protective Swiss Confederation.

It is colorful, with buildings flying national flags, bakers developing small bread rolls for the occasion, and children roaming the streets after dark with bean paper lanterns. Small fires burn on the hills, and fabulous fireworks light up the night sky in the municipalities. These festivities begin at Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen, on July 31st, with Europe’s largest waterfalls illuminated and a fireworks display. This unique festival provides a backdrop for an evocative National Day dedicated to the country's history and unity.

6. Schwägalp Schwinget

Mid-August also saw Schwingen festivals in Switzerland, which celebrated the traditional wrestling sport. Two tough competitors engage in a match, adhering to the specific rules of legal throws and grips. Two groups of competitors, called ‘Bösen,’ meaning ‘wicked ones,’ perform extraordinary physical feats in beautifully poetic landscapes all summer long.

Among these carnivals, Appenzell’s Schwägalp Schwinget is one of the most memorable. This festival is held on the stunning Säntis peak, and its breathtaking beauty and strong wrestler characters perfectly fit the Swiss summer program.

7. Cattle Show

In late September, farmers lead their cows down from the alpine pastures in a colorful event known as the Désalpe. One of the most festive is in Charmey, with music, local food, and beautifully decorated cows.

Meanwhile, in Appenzellerland, cattle shows celebrate the region’s finest cows, rewarding beauty and productivity.

8. Chestnut Festival

In mid-October, once considered a luxury food for people experiencing poverty, it is back on the Ticino kitchen menu today. It is a true honor for inhabitants, so they present chestnuts in any kind of way one can imagine—glazed Maron, roasted chestnuts as a spicy stuffing for gnocchi.

The cozy town of Ascona, located on Lake Sparta, celebrates chestnuts with a chestnut festival annually. During the fair, visitors are offered up to 2000 kilograms of freshly roasted chestnuts and other treats containing this healthy food. During the event, one can savor fire-roasted chestnuts and other dishes made with this healthy ingredient, listen to the music, and thus enjoy both the food and the show.

9. Zibelemärit

On the fourth Monday of November, the traditional Zibelemärit (Onion Market) takes place in the Swiss capital. The upper part of the town, especially the old alleys, is full of the aroma of Glühwein and onion tarts, and it feels like a bazaar.

Several hundred local farmers bundle their handmade onion braids with other winter produce, drupes, and nuts. This vibrant and active market generally attracts thousands of visitors, providing an excellent opportunity for them to experience exotic local cuisines and capture the Christmas spirit of the season in action.

10. Fête de l'Escalade

A week before Christmas, on the 11th and 12th of the month, Geneva celebrates the Escalade, a festival in memory of the city’s triumph against the armies of the Duke of Savoy in 1602. The courage shown by Genevans in defending their city is next marked by a highly colorful first Calendar, which initially meant a mock battle but evolved into a festive parade, with about 800 people costumed in traditional clothing and moving from place to place on foot and horseback.

While taking a step back in time to the 17th century, don’t miss a true connoisseur’s delicacy—a chocolate cauldron (marmalade in chocolate). You can warm up by the bonfire and enjoy the chocolate while surrounded by such an atmosphere, which is why this event is becoming the brightest moment of the holiday season in Geneva.

These listed events are among Switzerland's many rich traditions. Passed-on beliefs, time-honored practices across generations, and a dynamic generation create a priceless cultural heritage for the country. Each festival celebrates Swiss identity and reinforces community bonds; hence, it is a genuinely treasured heritage. Customize your own excursion, including your favorite Swiss event with AlpExcursion, and we’ll take care of the rest.