Scenic Trains
Glacier
Express
Bernina
Express
Golden
Pass Line
Wilhelm
Tell Express
Mont
Blanc - St Bernard
Palm
Express
Excursion Trains
Jungfraujoch
Chocolate
Train
Gornergrat
Matterhorn
Mt
Rigi Railway
Roches
De Naye
Ticino Attractions
Monte
San Salvatore
Madonna
Del Sasso
Carnival
Bellinzona
Locarno
Film Festival
TICINO ATTRACTIONS
CARNIVAL IN BELLINZONA
150 Years of The Realm of King Rabadan
Bellinzona in the Italian speaking southern part of Switzerland is known
as the carnival city. It’s no coincidence the celebration sounds
like the Middle Eastern holy month. Rabadan is a word in the Piemontese
Italian dialect which basically means uproar or noise making. The origin
of the name dates back to the Crusades when the Piemonteses found the
Muslims during Ramadan, praying and fastening during the day, but at
night partying with abandon. The northern Italians and hence the Swiss
from Ticino took on the partying part before lent and the fasting later,
appending the custom to the Catholic calendar. The celebration of the
Rabadan carnival in Ticino was begun in 1862.
During Rabadan as the Mardi Gras style celebration is called here, marked
its 150th anniversary in the Ticino capital of Bellinzona.
Over 150,000 people are expected to celebrate the occasion in the streets
and in the huge pavilions erected especially for the event. In fact,
from the last Thursday before Lent to Shrove Tuesday, the entire city
is brought to life by the beat of masked processions, guggenmusik performances,
risotto feasts and, above all, a prevailing good mood. The carnival takes
place principally around the Piazza Del Sole when the old town pedestrian
district is transformed into Carnival Town. Visitors purchase a pin designating
them as a “Citizen of Carnival Town” allowing entrance into
all the events. This unique atmosphere is set against the backdrop of
the three famous medieval castles packed with centuries-old charm. This
is one of the unique rich heritages of Swiss traditions, along with various
other events in this beautiful area of Switzerland surrounded by mountains
and lakes.
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