Bern, Switzerland’s third-largest carnival celebration, is facing an uncertain future as attendance and participation dwindle, prompting organizers to consider scaling back the historic event. While a vibrant procession and a “monster concert” drew thousands of spectators on Saturday, , the festivities highlighted a concerning trend of declining interest in the Berner Fasnacht.
The carnival’s symbolic kick-off, the reappearance of the carnival bear after a symbolic hibernation beginning on , led the parade through Bern’s Old Town. Despite a light rain, dozens of costumed groups and Guggenmusiks – brass and percussion bands – participated, culminating in a large-scale concert in front of the Federal Palace. The spectacle, however, belies underlying challenges.
The Berner Fasnacht, with roots stretching back to the 15th century, experienced a revival in the 1980s. However, the number of Guggenmusik bands participating in the parade has nearly halved, according to the organizing committee. Visitor numbers are also reportedly down, raising questions about the long-term viability of the event.
“We will re-evaluate the situation every year,” Michelle Uetz, president of the Berner Fasnacht association, stated recently to Swiss public broadcaster SRF. “We may have to reduce the size of the event in the future and adapt the program.” The association is already facing financial pressures, adding to the urgency of the situation.
The carnival’s origins are deeply intertwined with Bern’s history. As detailed in historical accounts, the Berner Fasnacht emerged during the medieval period, evolving from pre-Lenten feasts and folk festivals. In the 15th century, the carnival even played a role in significant historical events, such as the laying of the cornerstone for the new Rathaus. The tradition reflects a broader Swabian-Alemannic carnival tradition found throughout the region.
The early iterations of the carnival weren’t without controversy. Records show that in 1513, the carnival contributed to a peasant revolt, and between 1523 and 1525, strong anti-Papal rhetoric was common. Religious themes were subsequently prohibited after the Peasants’ War, only returning with the reformation of 1528, which restored freedom of speech and expression.
The modern form of the carnival, characterized by the symbolic freeing of the bear, was introduced in . This act, known as the “Bärebefreiig” (Bear Liberation), marks the official start of the festivities. The bear holds a special significance for the city of Bern, which has featured a bear in its coat of arms since the 12th century.
The current decline in participation and attendance isn’t unique. A recent study highlighted in A momentary lack of rituals: urban festivities cancelations in Geneva… points to a broader trend of challenges facing urban festivals, with events often scaled back or altered due to various factors. While the study focuses on Geneva, the underlying issues of funding, volunteer participation, and changing cultural priorities resonate with the situation in Bern.
The Thun Carnival, another regional celebration, offers a glimpse into the structure of these Swiss festivities. Thun Carnival, running from to , , features processions, Gugge music, and humorous verses. Similarly, the Lyss Carnival, taking place from to , , includes a traditional opening event and torchlight procession.
The future of the Berner Fasnacht hinges on the ability of organizers to adapt to changing circumstances and rekindle public interest. The potential for scaling back the event, as suggested by Uetz, represents a difficult but potentially necessary step to ensure its survival. The carnival’s rich history and cultural significance mean its preservation remains a priority for the city of Bern, but the path forward is fraught with challenges.
The carnival season in the Bern Region continues through , , offering a final opportunity to witness this unique Swiss tradition before organizers assess its future.
