Carnaval festivals 2026 promise to be loud, fun, entertaining, and simulating

: Published: 02 February 2026

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All photos courtesy of Catherine Nelson-Pollard

Carnaval is a tradition in most of Switzerland's cantons. Below are noteworthy Vaud, Valais, Fribourg or other Swiss hotspots with elaborate parades. Most will be wearing masks and have rituals familiar with each area. Of course there are the usual festive findings including food, drink, local specialties and crafts, Guggenmusik (costumed brass bands). Oh, and lots and lots of confetti!

In general, Carnival covers the period between Epiphany early January and Shrove Tuesday (between 6 January and 17 February 2026). Normally, the first day is known as Jeudi Gras (“Fat Thursday”) and the last day as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”), however many have more than one Mardi Gras!

As Easter is tied to the moon cycle (it's always the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the spring equinox), the date for Mardi Gras is also tied to Easter.

We have listed a few cities with their dates in order of start date here:

EVOLINE, VS
6-7 and 11-17 February 2026
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This is a quaint town with many traditions. Lots of events taking place as well as a meal consisting of spit-roasted boar (sanglier) on the Sunday.

BULLE, FR
6-8 February 2026
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The Bulle Carnival is a local tradition that involves a large number of children every year.
For more than 100 years, the town of Bulle vibrates during Carnival. To the sound of the Guggens, many animations are organised inside and out. To entertain young and old, dressed up or not.
Dressed in their finest costumes, up to 800 children take part in the grand parade on Saturday. This colourful and festive moment ends with the burning of the Winter Man. The real highlight of the festival, which traditionally marks the end of winter.
On Sunday afternoon there is a free magic show for all the family at the Town Hall. Proof that children are at the heart of the Bulle Carnival.

ESTAVAYER, FR
6-8 February 2026
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Every year, announcing the Carnival of Estavayer, the traditional Hanging of the Perch starts with a procession that leaves the Place du Midi and, to the sound of the local guggenmusik, La Staviacouac, leads the giant papier-mâché fish in front of the tower of the Dominican Sisters, where a bar opens for this day as well as for the carnival (Le Socabar). There, tea and mulled wine are offered to the population. Afterwards, a party with DJ's extends the event, in a carnival atmosphere, until late at night.

MARTIGNY, VS
7 February 2026 for the Little Carnival
12-17 February 2026 for the main Carnival event
Not only will there be many parades and discos throughout the week, but on the last day there will be a procession and incineration of the Bonhomme Hiver on the Place de la Crypte.