Trade fairs & festivals

Tschäggättä in the Lötschen Valley

27 February and 01 March 2025

The Tschäggättä are carnival figures in the Lötschental. They wear masks made of Swiss stone pine, sheep or goat skins over their shoulders and cowbells around their bellies. According to old custom, they chased the women and children and rubbed them with snow.

The Tschäggättä do not normally form parades or organised groups. Only on two occasions do they act out their mischief together: The traditional Tschäggättu-Loif from Blatten to Ferden and the big Lötschental carnival procession in Wiler.

Tschäggättu procession & carnival parade

Thursday 16 February 2023
Tschäggättä-Loif from Blatten to Ferden

Every year on Shrove Thursday, the Tschäggättä are gathered by the shepherds at nightfall. Then they set off together and walk from Blatten to Ferden.

20:00: Departure from the village square in Blatten

Saturday 18 February 2023
Big carnival parade in Wiler

The traditional Lötschental carnival parade in Wiler marks the end of the Tschäggättä. Guggen music, carnival groups on foot and on floats and various food stalls await you. The prize-giving for the three most beautiful Tschäggättä and carnival groups will start at 18:00.

14.30: The starting signal is given in Dorfstrasse in Wiler

«Tschäggättä Living traditions in the Lötschental» (Flyer)

Mask carving

The larva (wooden mask)

Nothing is known about the origin of the wooden masks in the Lötschental. The custom probably originated a few centuries ago. Since the 19th century at the latest, the carved wooden mask has been part of the Tschäggätta's clothing. Learn how to carve masks under expert guidance and make your own larva.

For groups from 5 to 20 people, individual bookings are possible on request.
Registration: Lötschental Tourist Office: Tel. +41 27 938 88 88