Berner Fasnacht – is one of the largest events of its kind in Switzerland. It takes place annually at the end of February – at the beginning of March, lasts three days and attracts many guests and participants. In recent years, this carnival has become the third most popular and popular carnival in the country, which is visited annually by more than 50 thousand people.
According to historical documents, a similar carnival took place in Bern back in the 15th century, but over time the tradition was gradually forgotten. The revival of the Bern Carnival and the tradition of its annual holding did not begin until 1982. Despite its relatively young age, the carnival quickly acquired its traditions and became a popular and bright event not only in the life of the city, but throughout the country.
The holiday begins on Thursday evening, after Ash Wednesday during Lent, when, awakened by a loud drumbeat (Ychüblete) and the singing of trumpets, the Bernese bear (a symbol of the carnival), imprisoned in the Prison Tower, awakens from hibernation. This is such a traditional carnival ritual. At the tower he is released into the wild into a crowd of Bernese residents, and the bear is the first to come out to greet all the guests and participants of the carnival.
After such a grand opening, people in colorful fancy dress and musicians fill the streets of the Old Town, despite the winter weather, and solemnly march to catchy rhythmic music along the arcades of Bern. The entire noisy and motley crowd is greeted by spectators with enthusiastic screams and rain of confetti. These carnival orchestras of «hugenmusik» (Guggenmusik-Cliques) follow a 6-kilometer path, announcing the entire city with their music playing. Then everyone slowly disperses to cafes and restaurants, where the national fun continues and is just gaining strength.
On Friday afternoon, the city center belongs to children, for whom a separate Children's Parade and Carnival Procession are organized, which are not inferior in color and fun to an adult. And in the evening, various events for children take place on Ratzhäx Square – concerts, competitions, performances by artists…
The culmination of Carnival – is the main parade that takes place on Saturday, when more than fifty colorful platforms move through the streets, accompanied by orchestras, clowns, magicians, trained animals and birds, all kinds of fantastic characters. And the carnival ends with a large evening theatrical performance and a grand concert with orchestras, musical groups and festivities around Bern at night.
Throughout the carnival, in bright colorful tents set up throughout the city, guests and participants are treated to local culinary delights and, of course, wine.
The famous Bern Carnival – is not only a violent and colorful event, but also always an important event for the city, which has become a good tradition for all of Switzerland.