Winterthur Carnival 2026: A Vibrant Celebration in Switzerland

Winterthur, Switzerland, hosted a lively carnival celebration on February 21st and 22nd, 2026, earning its title as the “Foolish European Capital of Culture 2026.” The event provided a continuation of the carnival season, following celebrations in Germany. The city transformed into a hub of music, parades, and traditional festivities.

A City Filled with Music and Merriment

Upon arrival on Saturday afternoon, visitors were greeted by the sounds of Guggenmusik – traditional Swiss carnival music played by brass bands. The historic Old Town, known as Dudlätä, came alive with performances on seven stages, despite somewhat cloudy and damp weather. Musicians displayed detailed costumes and energetic performances.

The “fool’s village,” featuring a fool’s tree, served as a central gathering point for carnival guilds, offering food, drinks, and opportunities for socializing.

Spectacular Guggenmusik Parade

The Guggenmusik parade commenced at 6:45 p.m. On Saturday, featuring 31 groups marching through the Old Town. Torchbearers led each group, and costumes were adorned with colorful lights. Some groups incorporated surprises, such as carriages equipped with fog fountains, adding to the spectacle.

Grand Carnival Parade on Sunday

Sunday saw an influx of guilds from Germany joining the festivities, culminating in a large carnival parade. The city was fully immersed in the carnival spirit, with various groups and performers, including many witches, filling the streets.

Confetti: A Celebrated Tradition

Winterthur embraces confetti as a key element of its carnival celebrations, contrasting with trends in some areas to restrict its utilize. Confetti was readily available for purchase in various colors, referencing an Italian tradition where sweets (confetti) were originally thrown, later replaced by paper confetti due to cost. A unique custom in Switzerland involves playfully throwing confetti into spectators’ clothing. Confetti cannons added to the colorful atmosphere, creating a “sea of confetti” along the parade route.

Carnival Groups and Participants

A total of 59 carnival groups participated in the parade on Sunday, including 15 from Germany. Some groups also included members from friendly guilds. The German groups represented included:

• Neckartal Witches eV
• Fools’ Guild Remsecker Zauberwald eV
• 1st Carnival Association Leonberg Ges. Engelberg eV
• Kornwestheimer Kornfetz
• 1st Fasnetzunft Gemmingen Bärafonger
• Bommerles Hexa
• Fools’ Guild Illertaler Waldschrath eV
• Fools’ Guild Mittelbiberach eV
• Free Fools’ Guild Fellbach eV
• Schleifenbach-Hexen Blumberg eV
• Dura Hexa Emerkingen eV und Wenk’l Fratza Oberstadion eV
• Bärenbach witches Hörden
• 1st fools’ guild Kelter-Hex Remseck am Neckar eV
• Schadda Wesa eV
• Rauhnachtwitches Hegau eV

A Successful Carnival Weekend

The Fakowi – Fasnacht Society Winterthur organized the carnival weekend, which proved to be a successful and enjoyable experience for all involved, marking a fitting conclusion to the carnival season.

Winterthur is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Zurich, in the canton of Zurich. As of December 2020, the city had a population of 114,220 residents [Wikipedia].