Feb 3

Feb 3 In the reign of king Rabadan Carnival in Bellinzona

Bellinzona is famous for its carnival. Rabadan, the name of this celebration, literally means noise. For a few days, more than 150’000 people joyfully celebrate in streets and marquees. This makes of Rabadan the largest carnival in Switzerland, after the one in Basel. The leader of this racket is the “king” elected by the carnival association. On Fat Thursday, the first day of carnival, the mayor of Bellinzona hands him the (symbolic) keys to the gates of the city and for the next five days the fools rule Ticino’s capital.

The Friday of carnival is dedicated to the youngest: indeed, there is the parade for the children of Bellinzona and the surrounding area. On Saturday, carnival bands, so-called “Guggen”, from Ticino and the German-speaking part of Switzerland give concerts far into the night. The highlight of Rabadan is the big parade on Sunday. Around fifty carnival bands and carriages participate in the “Grande Corteo Mascherato”. On the television of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland there is even a live broadcast of the parade.

The Rabadan offers a wide variety of entertaining activities to its visitors: Mask competitions, tug-of-war tournaments, theatres on the streets and the most traditional dish from Ticino: risotto. Meat and drink is further offered in numerous marquees. During carnival the celebrations in the city of Bellinzona stays up until dawn.