Carnival in the Bern Region

Thun carnival starts on Thursday at 19:10 with a procession from Manorplatz to Rathausplatz, where the mayor hands the town sceptre over to the carnival organisers. The carnival participants then set out to roam the streets with their instruments. Friday is devoted to the brass and percussion bands, known as Gugge, and the limerick groups who entertain with music and humorous verses. The day closes with the unforgettable Gugge party held in marquees throughout the evening. On Saturday, the children's carnival starts at 13:31 at the Mühleplatz marquee, followed by the children's procession at 16:01 in the Bälliz quarter. On Sunday, the large procession with carnival floats and costumes on the theme of "rustic" will set off at 13:59 to parade through the town centre. The Concerto Gigante on Rathausplatz then brings the event to a close.

Lyss Carnival starts on Friday evening with a traditional opening event and torchlight procession. Brass and percussion bands, known as Gugge, and a Bravo Hits Party then provide high-spirited carnival entertainment. On Saturday it's all about the kids, with a large children's procession with imaginative costumes followed by an award ceremony. Carnival events in the streets and in pubs and bars then provide entertainment into the early hours. The highlight is the big procession on Sunday, where the most innovative floats and groups are awarded a prize. The end of the carnival is marked by the burning of a "fog effigy".

Bern Carnival is the third largest in Switzerland! It starts off with the "Bärebefreiig" (freeing of the bear) on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday. The carnival bear is freed from the Käfigturm (prison tower), where it’s been locked up since 11:11 of 11 November. It's not just Basel Carnival that is famed for its limerick recitals – they are also a highlight in Bern! The topical limericks are performed in various restaurants on Thursday evening. The sought-after carnival badges in gold, silver and bronze are available from the Tourist Information Office at the main station and from the webshop at bern.com/en/shop.

Biel Carnival starts on Thursday evening with the traditional "Charivari" event in Biel's old town, during which the authorities hand over the keys to the city to the carnival prince. From then on the prince rules the city with his sceptre, while brass and percussion bands, known as Gugge, and groups reciting limericks roam the picturesque streets. On Saturday the kid's carnival takes centre stage, with around 1000 children and youths dressed up in costumes – one of Switzerland's largest children's processions. Particular highlights include the huge confetti fight, youth band music and dancing. This is followed by the big procession on Sunday, where the carnival groups parade their creative costumes and floats through the town centre, attracting numerous spectators.

Have you ever been to the Langenthal Carnival? If not, then it's high time you went! The big confetti fight at 14:01 on Saturday and an event called "carnival fishing" are particularly popular. A further highlight for all the family is the big kid's carnival on Monday, with it's traditional children's procession and the colourful youth ball. The carnival badges are available in copper, silver and gold, as well as a special sponsor's badge. With this year's motto "colorful", the Langenthal Carnival is bound to leave you with plenty of memories.