Sion Carnival 2025 | Carnivals in Switzerland | Festivals in Switzerland | Culture of Switzerland

As in all Catholic countries, the carnival festivities are lost in the mists of time. The oldest document, found in the cantonal library and relating to the Sion Carnival, is an article that was in the Nouvelle Gazette du Valais on February 23, 1888. From 1929 to 1940, Ms. Zingg and Lattion, Mrs. Tettoni and Mr. Paul de Rivaz organized costumed balls for children in the Lost Steps Room (Casino). Then came the silence... this unfortunate silence imposed by the war. From 1946, the Development Society resumed the festivities by organizing, on Shrove Thursday, large balls with mask competitions in the lounges of the Paix and Planta hotels. These masked balls, very popular with carnival people, were full at each edition. In 1959, the demolition of these hotels put an end to these events, and Sion experienced a period without carnival festivities. In 1963, the Guinguette took over the torch and put the children's procession back in honor on Shrost Thursday. This procession was very simple: the disguised Guinguette opened the walk, followed by all the children! The firefighters, responsible for security, added a touch of originality with their old tanks and their antediluvian pump. These traditions lasted a few years. In 1976, four members of Restez Verts and two musicians of the Guinguette joined their efforts to animate the whole city. These valiant founders were: Charly Imhof, Roger Pfefferlé (Tonton), André Hess, Michel Jacot, Evenor Pitteloud and René Rey. On Saturday morning, Sion was divided into three neighborhoods, animated from 5:00 a.m. by the happy drilles of L'As qu'onrigole, les Chouettes (HC Sion) and éKsaPeTTe, created for the occasion. This tradition of the diane lasted eight years. In 1978, these six founders officially created the Carnival Society, sponsored by Mrs. DeniseBühler and Mr. Bernard de Torrenté. The first president was Evenor Pitteloud. To cover the costs, a prize pool of 1200 francs was formed: 500 francs brought by Restez Verts and 700 francs by the Guinguette. The emblematic character of the Carnival was originally a prince (adult), then a prince and a princess accompanied by their court (children). These roles no longer interest children, the Sion Carnival is now represented by a Great Wizard, in reference to the Wizard's Tower, our current logo. In 1979, the first official medal was struck. In 1981, to celebrate their 5th anniversary, the members of the committee adopted an iconic costume and proudly adopted a cape and horns. With the growing scale of the demonstration, Haute-Lalais Guggen, local cliques and, later, Outre-Sarine Guggen were invited to participate. In 1988, Maurice Machoud succeeded EvenorPitteloud as president. Little by little, the festivities spread. To the traditional Saturday, was added the Fat Thursday, with the ceremony of the delivery of the keys by the president of the city and the city council incorporates, and Sunday morning, dedicated to the Carnival of the horses. The 20th edition was crowned by a magnificent pyrotechnic show, so appreciated that it became essential. The carnival period was gradually extended: from Shrove Thursday to the following Tuesday. Thus, on Thursday welcomed the delivery of the keys, on Friday a procession with torches, on Saturday and Sunday the large processions. On Monday evening, a spaghetti evening was offered to members, followed by a procession and entertainment for children on Tuesday, before the closing evening. Over the years, the organization evolved: Sunday was distinguished by a horse procession (unique in Switzerland), Monday evening by a beach party, and Tuesday by a spaghetti evening followed by the closing. The canteens, shops and podiums invaded the Place du Midi. Unfortunately, grumpy people, through their protest and complaints, force the Carnival to move and install its infrastructure on the Planta. In 2001, François Hugo, then Grand Sorcerer, succeeded Maurice Machoud as chairman of the committee. After his resignation on March 21, 2004, he resumed his role as Great Sorcerer for a year. In April 2004, Cédric Voeffray became president, holding this position until February 12, 2008. Pascal Curdy succeeded him until the spring of 2010, before passing the torch to Yoann Schmidt at the 36th ordinary general meeting, on November 4, 2010. From year to year, the Planta evolves and expands, even welcoming the famous 'Green is Red' on two floors. In 2015, to celebrate the 40th edition, the Carnival offers a magnificent fireworks display punctuated by the Guggenmusiks. It is also on this occasion that the first Bavarian evening takes place, organized on Thursday evening under the large tent, bringing together 500 participants. After five editions, the Bavarians give way to the Bronzés and their famous fondue, which attracts more than 700 guests.