Bénichon in Châtel-st-Denis
Overview
Intro
A traditional folk festival par excellence, the Châtel-St-Denis Bénichon commemorates the end of the harvest, the herds' descent from the mountain pastures and the return to winter quarters.
Originally, this festival was a blessing: thanks to the gods for all that nature gives and that we harvest during the year. Over the centuries, the religious ceremony disappeared, leaving only the popular, gastronomic feast... We eat for six hours or more: cuchaule and Bénichon mustard, bouillon, jambon de la borne, leg of lamb with Botzi pears, meringues, berries, double cream and Bénichon delicacies. Then it's time to dance to the sound of folk music.
Program
Thursday20.00 - midnight: Card game at the Grand'Ours
FridayFrom 4.30 pm :Afterwork at the Grand'Ours, heated canteen, place de l'ancienne gare
Saturday10.00 am - 5.00 pm: Craft market in the Grand Rue2.00 pm: Demonstrations on the Place d'Armes4.00 pm: Opening of the Grand'Ours, heated canteen, place de l'ancienne gare
Sunday09.00 AM - 10:15 AM an open-air mass 11.00 - 12.00 pm: Official part on Place de l'Institut, Councillors' dance and aperitif offered3 p.m.: Grand procession on the theme of “Les contes et Légendes Suisses”, herd of cows, float competition by local companies, Charivari de la Bénichon, Alpine horns and flag-wavers & brass bandsEntrance to the procession: CHF 10.006 p.m.: Prize-giving ceremony at the Grand'Ours
Big funfair on Place du Grand-Clos all weekend longFair opening hours:
Friday, October 17 & 24: 4 pmSaturday, October 18 & 25: 2 p.m.Sunday, October 19 & 26: 2 pmMonday, October 21: 2 p.m.Wednesday, October 22: 2 p.m.
Photo competition: send in your best photo of the procession until October 30 for a chance to win vouchers.
| Contact address |
Union des sociétés locales
Châtel-St-Denis 1618 Châtel-St-Denis info@benichonchatel.ch |
|---|---|
| Location |
Union des sociétés locales Case postale 1618 Châtel-St-Denis Switzerland |
| Event Homepage | https://fribourg.ch/en/les-paccots/events/benichon-in-chatel-st-denis/ |
The content presented here is provided and updated by regional/local tourist offices or event organisers, which is why Switzerland Tourism is unable to guarantee the correctness of the contents.
Event dates
- 16 October 2026
- 17 October 2026
- 18 October 2026