Trade fairs & festivals

Biel Carnival

19 to 22 February 2026

In Biel, too, Carnival is celebrated every year with great joie de vivre and festive revelry. The festivities traditionally kick off on Thursday evening in Biel's old town. Colorful parades, rousing Guggen concerts, the children's parade, the night parade, and the grand carnival parade create an exuberant atmosphere. Thanks to the numerous participating formations, individual masks, and groups, visitors can expect a particularly diverse and varied carnival experience.

Travel comfortably to Biel/Bienne by train.

Biel Carnival

The Biel Carnival begins on Thursday evening with the traditional Charivari in the festively illuminated old town. The prince takes over the reign during the symbolic handing over of the keys, while street bands and satirical singers parade through the streets and bars with humor and satire.

Another highlight is the atmospheric night parade, during which illuminated floats, marching groups, and Guggen musicians transform the city center into a magical backdrop of light and fire.

Saturday is dedicated to the children's carnival: a large children's parade, children's Guggen musicians, a colorful polonaise, and numerous surprises ensure a joyful experience for the youngest carnival-goers.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the street carnival invites visitors to celebrate exuberantly with market stalls, bars, music, and Guggen performances. A special highlight is the Narrentreiben, where creative costumes are awarded prizes by a jury.

The grand finale is the Sunday parade, where thousands of spectators watch the big parade through downtown Biel. The carnival comes to a festive close in the afternoon with the Sternmarsch parade to the Kongresshaus and the announcement of the rankings.

Date Available on 19.02.2026

The Biel Carnival will take place from 19 to 22 February 2026.

Program

Thursday, 19 February 2026

18.15 hours: “Inspiration” in the Town Church
19.10 hours: Monster parade
19.40 hours: Tambi clique (Burgplatz)
20.00 hours: Entrance of Prince Ruedi II (Burgplatz)
from 20.45 hours: Program on various stages and squares in Biel's old town
21.00 hours: «Rendez-fous» – the new carnival gathering at the Biel City Theater

Friday, 20 February 2026

18.30 hours: Tschaupi open-air concert (Zentralplatz)
20.30 hours: Night parade
followed by: Festival tents, food stands, and stages in the city center

Saturday, 21 February 2026

11.00 hours: Note Trampi Suppä-Samstig (Brunnenplatz)
11.00 hours: Tschaupi open-air concert (City Bar)
14.00 hours: Children's parade
from 20.30 hours: Festival tents, food stands, and stages in the city center
21.00–00.00 hours: Grand mask competition

Sunday, 22 February 2026

14.00 hours: Grand parade
15.45 hours: Tschaupi open-air concert (Zentralplatz)
16.55 hours: Closing ceremony with monster concert (Guisanplatz)
around 17.30 hours: Award ceremony