Five Swiss cities launch Fasnacht with distinct November traditions

Swiss cities mark the start of Fasnacht with rituals ranging from locking up a bear to firing cannon shots. The customs surrounding the November 11 kickoff are reported by Swiss broadcaster SRF.

Bern locks up its Fasnacht bear

At 11:11 a.m. on November 11, Bern places its Fasnacht bear in the Käfigturm, a tower, where it symbolically hibernates until the city’s carnival begins. Its release is one of the event’s key moments, after which Fasnacht symbolically takes over the city.

The tradition has been held for 40 years. Bern’s carnival itself was suspended for almost 450 years under a ban imposed by the Reformed authorities. The Bärner Fasnacht association revived it in 1982. Today, it is the third-largest Fasnacht in German-speaking Switzerland.

Biel gathers on the Zentralplatz

In Biel, Fasnacht groups meet on the Zentralplatz, or central square, at 11:11 a.m. alongside the carnival prince or princess. For many participants, the gathering and reunion of the Cliques and Guggenmusik groups are more important than the parade in February.

St Gallen unveils its Fasnacht poster

St Gallen traditionally presents its new Fasnacht poster on November 11, offering an early preview of the coming carnival. The unveiling has become one of the highlights of the season’s opening.

Zurich hosts a Guggenmusik gathering

At 11:11 a.m., Guggenmusik groups from across Switzerland gather at Hirschenplatz in Zurich’s Old Town to play together, then parade through the streets. The event has been held for decades and is considered one of the country’s largest Fasnacht openings.

Rheinfelden fires three shots

Rheinfelden in the canton of Aargau starts its celebrations at 7:11 p.m. on the Obertorplatz in the Old Town. Three cannon shots symbolically fire in the “fifth season”. Organisers then announce the Fasnacht motto and present the new carnival badge. Guggenmusik groups play their first concert before participants continue celebrating in local bars.

The number 11 is traditionally associated with fools and represents rule-breaking, exuberance and a world turned upside down. The major parades usually take place months later, while groups and organisers use the intervening time for rehearsals, float-building and other preparations.