The pandemic has put paid to the traditional cultural and social event for a second successive season. In Lucerne, home to one of the biggest processions, more than 100 people defied the lockdown to mark what should have been the start of a weeks-long spectacle of exotic costumes and music. A coffin was placed in a square and surrounded with candles to mark the death of the carnival that usually sees thousands of people thronging the streets.
Lucerne police say they dispersed the unauthorised gathering without serious incident and handed out some fines. Gatherings of more than five people have been banned in Switzerland since mid-January amid fears that variant strains of Covid-19 could spark a third wave of infections in the country.
The Swiss carnival season kicks off each year on “Dirty Thursday”, a week before the Christian calendar date of Ash Wednesday (February 17 this year). Many Swiss towns and cities stage processions, which frequently feature costumes and placards satirising noteworthy current affairs of the year.
Swiss car importer ordered to pay CHF4.2 million CO2 penalty
This content was published on
In finding that a car importer engaged in dishonest practices must pay a multimillion-dollar fine, the court also clarified the penalties in general.
Large viewership tuned into controversial 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
Switzerland was one countries boasting more viewers than ever before. A large proportion of younger viewers were also found to have tuned in.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Hundreds gather for Basel carnival despite ban
This content was published on
Though the Swiss government has banned major events because of the coronavirus, several hundred people met in Basel on Monday morning.
Switzerland bans major public events to slow spread of virus
This content was published on
Switzerland has banned public events with more than 1,000 people until at least March 15 in response to the coronavirus threat.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.