The Payerne Carnival is the largest and one of the most famous carnivals in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The carnival returns this year from March 7-10.

The joy of a carnival

The Payerne Carnival, also known as Brandons de Payerne, is one of the oldest carnivals in Switzerland. A weekend of madness in the region of Payerne in the Canton of Vaud, the event involves people dressing up in daring and festive costumes and taking part in elaborate displays. The streets have a stunning parade with a variety of floats that come in groups, called tank groups.

Along with the immaculate floats and costumes, there are also Guggens, which are percussion and bass carnival bands that march and play badly-tuned music throughout the carnival. There are Guggens that are local to Payerne, as well as others that are typically commissioned for the carnival.

Another interesting aspect of the carnival is the unique tradition of window scribbling. The tradition consists of teasing shopkeepers of the city by writing lively anecdotes on their windows

Get ready for the carnival

Check the official Brandons de Payerne website for more information about costumes, attendance and events around the town.