| Though of course Switzerland is one nation, its 26 | | | | Those looking for a more traditional festival should |
| cantons, each of which has a considerable amount | | | | take a visit to Fasnacht in Basel, which is |
| of autonomy, cling proudly to their individual | | | | recognised as the most popular festival in |
| culture and traditions and continue to celebrate | | | | Switzerland, with some 15,000 to 20,000 marked |
| both historic and modern festivals. | | | | participants taking part. |
| Every January strange brightly coloured objects | | | | The origins of Fasnacht are somewhat obscure |
| can be seen floating in the skies of Chateau | | | | and unsure, largely because a huge earthquake in |
| d'Oex, a small alpine town nestled in the Bernese | | | | 1356 destroyed large parts of Basel along with |
| Oberland, close to its better known neighbour | | | | many written records. Historians believe that the |
| Gstaad. Chateau d'Oex's International Hot Air | | | | festival came about due to a row at a jousting |
| Balloon Festival is the worlds' premier hot air | | | | tournament been the citizens of Basel and some |
| ballooning event, which attracts over 100 balloons | | | | knights. The argument is said to have tuned |
| from 15 different countries. The reason for its | | | | nasty, with the locals chasing the knights out of |
| success is partly down to the area's unique | | | | town and killing four of them in the process. But |
| microclimate; its position within a wide sloping | | | | retribution was harsh; 12 citizens were beheaded |
| valley bowl creates thermal conditions which are | | | | and the Empire of the time (Charles IV) put a ban |
| ideal for flying. And the views from a balloon | | | | on the city, meaning that it was no longer |
| basket aren't bad either; souring over snowy high | | | | protected by the Roman Empire. |
| alpine mountains and valleys, it's little wonder that | | | | Basel now celebrates this slightly bizarre part of |
| the festival attracts thousands of visitors each | | | | their history with Fasnacht. When the city clock |
| year. | | | | rings out at 4am, thousands of fifers and |
| If you're looking for a festival that is a little more | | | | drummers in Charivari costumes with small |
| down to earth, try Switzerland's Rock Oz'Arenes, | | | | headlights begin to move through the dark centre |
| a massive music festival well worthy of a visit. | | | | of town, whilst playing their carnival music. By day |
| What began as a one day event in 1992 and | | | | a huge procession takes place along with live |
| attracted just 730 people is now a four day | | | | music, a lantern exhibition and carnival floats. |
| festival held in the roman Amphitheatre of | | | | A holiday in Switzerland which takes in some of |
| Avenches. The event hosts some of the biggest | | | | the country's wealth of festivals and cultural |
| international pop, rock and hip hop acts, and has | | | | events, in addition to its incredible natural scenery, |
| seen the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Iggy Pop and Lou | | | | makes for an ideal European break. |
| Reed perform in recent years. | | | | |