Landjäger.ch

Swiss Customs & Traditions a clear list

by Mario Lang

Switzerland inspires not only with its mountains, lakes and cities (blog post: 50 sights in Switzerland) - the country's cultural heritage is also unique. Away from the familiar clichés, a vibrant world of traditional festivals, rituals and regional customs unfolds that are deeply rooted in Swiss history. Whether colorful carnival parades, mystical winter banquets or festive folk festivals in the Alps: Swiss traditions tell stories of identity, community and lived customs. If you want to discover the true heart of Switzerland, you will find it in its festivals - original, diverse and full of character.

Swiss National Day (Swiss National Day, nationwide, August 1)

Federal Parliament
Federal Palace in Bern

The Swiss National Day on August 1 commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation. Swiss Confederation and is celebrated nationwide with festivities and customs. Typical elements include political speeches (usually by the President of the Swiss Confederation), bonfires on mountains, fireworks and lantern parades in the municipalities. In many places, the flag flies on balconies and squares on this day, and children walk through the streets with colorful lanterns. One of the best-known places to celebrate is the historic Rütli meadow (canton of Uri) on Lake Lucerne, where the Rütli Oath found its origin. Official information can be found on websites such as the FDFA portal "About Switzerland". 
Date: August 1
Place: Uetliberg (Zurich) or Rütliwiese (Flüelen UR, map)

Alpine descent (Swiss Alps, late summer)

Alpine descent Appenzell Image DjemoGraphic @Instagram

The Alpabzug (also known as the Alpabfahrt) is a traditional mountain festival during which the herdsmen and shepherds return from the Alps to the valley in late summer with their decorated herds of cattle. Cows, sheep and goats receive festive flower crowns and bells to celebrate their return after an accident-free summer. Depending on the region, the Alpine cattle drives take place between mid-August and mid-September. Accompanied by music, traditional costume parades and regional specialties, the Alpabzug is one of the most colorful traditional Swiss festivals. Detailed information can be found on regional tourism websites (e.g. Switzerland Tourism).
Date: Late summer (usually end of August/beginning of September)
Location: Example: Entlebuch LU (map) or Charmey FR (map)

Basel Carnival (Basel, Northwestern Switzerland, February/March)

Basel Fasnacht is the biggest carnival festival in Switzerland and is known as the "drey scheenschte Dääg" (three beautiful days). It traditionally begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4 am with the Morgestraich. Over the course of three days, thousands of Guggenmusik musicians, drummers and jesters in costume parade through the dark alleyways of Basel's old town with elaborate lanterns. Political and social issues are humorously addressed in satirical clique floats. The carnival has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. The organizer is the Fasnacht Comité Basel, which provides all the information (e.g. on the official website of the Fasnacht Committee).
Date: Monday to Wednesday after Ash Wednesday (see current calendar)
Place: Basel Old Town (map)

Sechseläuten (Zurich, German-speaking Switzerland, April)

Sechseläuten is a traditional Zurich spring festival that is known throughout Switzerland. Every year on the third Monday in April, historically dressed guild members parade through Zurich's city center with horse-drawn carriages and bands. The highlight is the burning of the "Böögg" - a snowman figure filled with firecrackers - as a symbol of winter. According to popular belief, the speed of its explosion foretells how beautiful the coming summer will be. The Central Committee of the Zurich Guilds (ZZZ), which organizes the tradition, is behind the custom. Sechseläuten.ch provides background information.
Date: Third Monday in April (historically long established)
Place: Zurich Old Town (Bahnhofstrasse/Sechseläutenplatz, Map)

Silvesterchlausen (Appenzeller Land, Eastern Switzerland, Dec. 31 and Jan. 13)

In the Appenzellerland (especially Ausser- and Innerrhoden), New Year is celebrated twice: on December 31 and also on January 13 (according to the old Julian calendar). On these days, the "Silvesterchläuse" (master Schwyzers) parade through the villages in disguise and pay a musical visit to the inhabitants as a lucky charm. There are three types of "Chläusen" - the artistically masked "Schönen", the wild "Wüeschten" and the "Naturchläuse" - who wish good luck for the coming year with flutes, yodels and cowbells. The custom has deep roots and is a living testimony to Appenzell traditions today. Appenzellerland Tourism provides detailed information.
Date: December 31 (Gregorian New Year's Eve) and January 13 (Julian New Year's Eve)
Place: Appenzell AI/AR (map)

Landsgemeinde (Appenzell Innerrhoden, May)

The Landsgemeinde is a symbolic legacy of direct democracy and takes place in two cantons (Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus). In Appenzell IR, voters gather once a year on the last Sunday in April in the open air on the Landsgemeindeplatz. There, the people elect the cantonal government and vote on amendments to the constitution. This traditional assembly has existed since 1403 and is a popular cultural experience today - men and women who are entitled to vote raise their voting crosses or side arms as a sign of approval. The process begins with a festive church service, followed by a procession from the town hall to the meeting place. Further details can be found on the website of the Appenzell Tourism.
Date: Last Sunday in April (annually)
Place: Appenzell IR (Landsgemeindeplatz, map)

Fête de l'Escalade (Geneva, French-speaking Switzerland, December)

The Geneva "Fête de l'Escalade" is a historical folk festival at the beginning of December that commemorates the successful defense of Geneva against the troops of the Duke of Savoy in 1602. The celebration combines remembrance and merriment - there are parades in historical costumes, torchlight processions and puppet parades in the old town. Chocolate pots ("Marmite de l'Escalade"), which are symbolically filled with marzipan and broken, are also typical. Children and families parade through the streets dressed up, singing the song "Cé qu'è lainô" and eating hot vegetable soup as a festive feast. The Geneva city administration offers its website all the details.
Date: Second weekend in December (around December 12)
Location: Geneva (Old Town, Parc des Bastions, Map)

Carnevale di Rabadan (Bellinzona, Ticino, February)

The Rabadan in Bellinzona is the most famous carnival in the south of Switzerland and takes place every year in February. This six-day festival transforms the old town into a colorful court of fools: every day there are colorful parades, Guggenmusik concerts and folk competitions. At night, the carnival atmosphere reigns in the festival tents, music can be heard until the early hours of the morning and thousands of visitors in fancy dress celebrate exuberantly. Culinary specialties such as risotto and luganighe (sausages) are also typical. Further information and the current program can be found on the official website of the Rabadan Society.
Date: Six-day parade around Carnival (February)
Place: Bellinzona TI (city center, Piazza del Sole, map)

Chalandamarz (Graubünden, March)

Chalandamarz is an old custom from Graubünden (especially Engadin, Val Müstair) that marks the beginning of March and the end of winter. On March 1st, children and young people parade through their villages wearing white traditional costumes and carrying loud cowbells and whips. They sing old songs and symbolically chase away the winter with their roaring. The name is derived from "Chaland" (first day) and "Marz" (March). Chalandamarz was made famous by the children's book "Schellen-Ursli". Today, it is particularly popular in the Alpine parts of the country and attracts visitors every year. Several Graubünden municipalities and tourism organizations (e.g. Graubünden Holidays) provide information on specific dates.
Date: March 1 of each year
Place: Engadine mountain villages (e.g. Zernez GR, map)

Zibelemärit (Bern, Mittelland, November)

The Zibelemärit is the traditional onion market in Bern and is considered the largest market in Switzerland. It always takes place on the fourth Monday in November. Entire districts in the center of Bern are then firmly enchanted by onions: stalls offer thousands of onion braids, onion wreaths and onion artworks. There are also ceramics, textiles and other specialties. Locals and visitors make a pilgrimage to Bern early in the morning to enjoy the market atmosphere. The City of Bern provides up-to-date information on the date and details every year (see Bern.ch - Zibelemärit).
Date: Fourth Monday in November
Place: Bern (city center, map)

Other well-known customs and traditions

  • Epiphany - nationwide - January - Website – Map
  • Höhenfeuer - Switzerland - June - Website – Map
  • Chlauszug - Küssnacht SZ - December - Website – Map
  • Nünichlingler - Liestal BL - January - Website – Map
  • Chlefele - Schwyz SZ - February - Website – Map
  • Lucerne Carnival - Lucerne LU - February/March - Website – Map
  • Landsgemeinde Glarus - Glarus GL - May - Website – Map
  • Zibelemärit - Bern BE - November - Website – Map
  • Basel Fasnacht - Basel BS - February/March - Website – Map
  • Sechseläuten - Zurich ZH - April - Website – Map
  • Knabenüschelge - Altstätten SG - June - Website – Map
  • New Year's Eve Run - Biel BE - December - Website – Map
  • St. Nicholas parade - Zurich ZH - December - Website – Map
  • Krämbelmarkt - Sankt Gallen SG - November - Website – Map
  • Confoo competition - Zermatt VS - February - Website – Map
  • Landsgemeinde - Glarus GL - May - Website – Map
  • Oberwalliser Chästeilet - Brig VS - October - Website – Map
  • Fête des Vignerons - Vevey VD - July - Website – Map
  • Boys' procession - Rapperswil SG - July - Website – Map
  • Tschäggättä - Lötschental VS - February - Website – Map
  • Federal celebration - Sion VS - August - Website – Map
  • Cattle show - Appenzellerland AR/AI - Fall - Website – Map
  • Alpabfahrt/Älperchilbi - Saanenland BE - September - Website – Map
  • Chäshörnli-Essen - Schwingfest (various locations) - June - Website – Map
  • Tulip Festival - Morges VD - April - Website – Map
  • Schaffhausen Autumn Fair - Schaffhausen SH - September - Website – Map
  • Räbeliechtli parade - Stein am Rhein SH - October - Website – Map
  • Silvesterkläuse - Urnäsch AI - December/January - Website – Map
  • Firewalk - St. Moritz GR - December - Website – Map
  • Rottu-Meitli - Appenzell AR - February - Website – Map
  • Small Knabenschiessen - Oberwil BL - September - Website – Map
  • Alphorn Festival - Brienz BE - August - Website – Map
  • Fête du Blé - Estavayer-le-Lac FR - September - Website – Map
  • Rajada - Soglio GR - August - Website – Map
  • Männerriege-Fest - Zurich ZH - every 6 years - Website – Map
  • Palio del Tirone - Arbedo TI - May - Website – Map
  • Farmer's New Year - Switzerland - March - Website – Map
  • Fountain festival - Zug ZG - August - Website – Map
  • Koli-Söilsumpf (harvest festival) - Munt la Schera GR - September - Website – Map
  • Mattstock race - Herisau AR - October - Website – Map
  • Rütimannfest - Ruopigen UR - July - Website – Map
  • Berchtoldstag - Bern BE - January - Website – Map
  • Roman Heritage Festival - Geneva GE - May - Website – Map
  • St. Martin's Day Parade - Lucerne LU - November - Website – Map

Summary

Switzerland celebrates its identity and history through an impressive variety of annual customs and festivals. The Swiss National Day on August 1 commemorates the founding of the country with nationwide celebrations, fireworks and bonfires. In late summer, the colorful Alpine processions mark the return of the decorated herds of cattle from the mountains. Winter is driven away or greeted in a unique way in various regions: The Basel carnival, Switzerland's largest carnival festival, the Zurich Sechseläuten with the burning of the Böögg and the mystical New Year's Eve chimes in Appenzell are just a few examples.

Visitors can experience unique forms of direct democracy at the Landsgemeinde in Appenzell Innerrhoden. Historical events are celebrated at the Fête de l'Escalade in Geneva or the Chalandamarz in Graubünden. The Zibelemärit in Bern offers a lively market, while the Carnevale di Rabadan in Bellinzona transforms the south into a carnival paradise. These traditions, which are often centuries old, range from exuberant celebrations to profound rituals and are a central part of Swiss culture, inviting visitors to gain an authentic insight into Swiss customs.

The tradition of the Edelweiss shirts

A particularly visible symbol of Swiss customs is the traditional Edelweiss shirt. Originally worn by Alpine herdsmen and dairymen, the robust, blue patterned shirt with the white edelweiss print developed into the unofficial national symbol of rural solidarity. Whether at traditional costume parades, Alpine descents or on national holidays - the Edelweiss shirt stands for a sense of home, craftsmanship and authenticity. Today it is experiencing a real revival as a fashion statement and combines tradition with modern Swissness. more on History of Edelweiss shirts.


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