Carnival in Berne, Switzerland

When I learned about a “carnival,” it was about Rio.

Now that I live in Europe, I got to learn many types of “carnivals.”

I believe the origin of the carnival in Rio is the same as the ones in Europe,

but as Rio is in the southern hemisphere and Europe in the northern, the atmosphere is quite different.

Yes, people in Europe get crasy over their carnivals as well, but with thick jakets and worm drinks.

The whole series of carnival events starts on November 11.

Many cities and towns in Switzerland, like many places in Europe, have their traditional events for this day.

Berne, the Swiss captal, is a protestant city.

As the carnival is mainly a catholic event, Berne didn’t celebrate carnivals for long time.

What they do now is a combination of the carnival tradition and the original idea from Berne.

The symbol of the city is Bear. The city name comes from bear; the first animal that the settlers encountered.

On November 11, a big bear starts his hibernation with a night cap.

His cage is locked with a huge lock. He will be sleeping until February 7 next year.

There are many music bands playing the carnival music all over the town.

The carnival music is very unique. Some towns in Switzerland have their own special music as well.

There are many carnival band concerts as well as parties.

Oh, also marching. Many bands march through the town.

On February 7, when the sleeping bear wakes up, the carnival is over.

In Berne, it is an evening event.

Many people come out to see the bear coming out of this cage (incidentally he sleeps in the Old Prison Tower.)

After that, throughout the night the music will not end.

In the restaurants and bars, on the street, and from home, you will hear the reminiscence of the carnival.

Here is the scene from November 11.