Bénichon in Châtel-st-Denis

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.