Zurich Festivals & Events

Fasnacht is The Swiss version of Carneval, brings lively musicians (Guggenmusiken) and a large, costumed procession to every corner of Switzerland. Big loud parades and masked balls bring colour to the grey winter days. The most famous events take place in Bale and Lucerne in February and March.

On the third Monday of April, Zurich shakes off any remains of winter with a spring festival called Sechseläuten . The parade of the guilds dressed in historic costumes (children's parade on Sunday) and the burning of a huge snowman-like figure (Böögg) symbolise the end of winter. The Böögg is set alight at 6 p.m. on the dot. The quicker its head, which is stuffed with fireworks, explodes, the warmer summer is supposed to be.

Once every three years at the start of July (the next one is in 2004), Switzerland's biggest party, the Züri Fäscht , is held. A huge fairground takes over central Zurich from Friday to Sunday. A highly varied programme for families is offered during the day, while open air discotheques make people dance in the streets at night. The event is topped off with a wonderful fireworks display.

Switzerland's National day (1 st August) is also celebrated with fireworks. In early August, the Street Parade , a large-scale techno event with international DJ's on the decks of the many “love mobiles”, takes place. Ten years ago, not more than several hundred people joined the parade, by now, it has grown to Europe's second biggest techno party with almost two million visitors in only one day. The Street Parade is more colourful, louder and crazier than all other events together and has become rather commercial.

The Knabenschiessen is one of the oldest Zurich traditions and takes place on the second weekend in September. It consists of a colourful three-day fairground and a shooting contest for 12 to 17 year-olds.

In November, Expovina , held on 12 boats on the Bürkliplatz, offers samples of international wines.

One weekend in September, freestyle.ch , an international snowboard, skatebord and BMX event, takes place.