Which tradition in Switzerland is associated with Fasnacht (carnival)?

At Fasnacht, many people wear masks and costumes and march through the streets in parades.

Common mistakes

A: Flag throwing

Flag throwing belongs to Alpine festivals and yodelling festivals, not to Fasnacht.

C: Yodelling

Yodelling is a rural singing tradition and has nothing to do with Fasnacht.

D: Mountain bonfires

Mountain bonfires burn mainly on 1 August, the National Day.

Jass, yodelling, Fasnacht, Chilbi

Many Swiss traditions come from life in the countryside. Yodelling is one of them. When you yodel, you sing without words. The voice jumps quickly back and forth between a low chest voice and a high head voice. You do not need an instrument for it, only your own voice. Since 2025 Swiss yodelling has been part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.

Culture, economy and Switzerland in the world · Traditions and sport

Sources

• stadt-zuerich.ch
• aboutswitzerland.eda.admin.ch
• bak.admin.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.