World Snow Fest
In the gorgeous mountains of Grindelwald, the 40th World Snow Festival is set to take place. Brilliant sculptures by artists will be up for display spread around the alps of Bern. A jury usually judges the snow sculptures, and the viewing is free for everyone.
When 16th to 21st January, 2023
Where Grindelwald
Carnival of Basel
One of the biggest local carnivals in Switzerland, the Basel carnival is an annually held festival and has also been awarded a place under UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. The three-day carnival has locals dress up in a variety of vivid costumes and throw confetti around, which is considered a big part of the festivities. Cliques of people usually choose themes, and they dress up according to that. There is also a parade on the first day of the festival, going around the inner and outer routes of the city.
When 27th February to 1st March, 2023
Where Basel
Sechseläuten
Celebrated in the Swiss town of Zürich, Sechseläuten, which translates to "The six o'clock ringing of the bells", is a traditional Spring holiday celebrated to welcome the arrival of Summer in the country. The activities involved are burning a rag doll resembling a snowman, with the heat generated symbolising the oncoming of warmer, sunnier days ahead.
When 3rd Monday of April
Where Zürich
Züri Fäscht
Züri Fäscht, or Zürich fest, is considered Switzerland's largest summer festival. It is like a typical summer party with lots of food, music, fireworks and millions of attendees. There are a number of adventure sports for water and air carnival rides spread across a large fairground. Starting in 1951, this summer carnival takes place every three years.
When 7th to 9th July, 2023
Where Zürich
Fête de L'Escalade
An annual festival held during the darkest nights in December to commemorate the thwarting of an attempted capture of the city in 1602. The Duke of Duchy of Savoy&ndasha western Catholic country between 1416 and 1860&ndashplanned a surprise attack to make Geneva his capital and crush the Protestant practice in the city but was defeated by the locals and defenders. This took place between the nights of 11th and 12th December. In celebration, locals now prepare a large cauldron of chocolate with marzipan filling as well as cooking vegetables and candies wrapped in red and gold, the colours of Geneva. They also make mulled wine and vegetable soup while children in colourful costumes go door to door asking for candies, much like Halloween.
When 12th December or the closest weekend
Where Geneva
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