Bellinzona is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Switzerland, nestled between the mountains with a castle-studded skyline. This Italian-speaking city would be worth a visit almost any time of year, but it’s especially fun during carnival season. Rabadan got started yesterday, and will be in full swing until February 5th. There’s a daily parade of creatively-themed floats as well as parties all around the city each evening.
The one downside? Bellinzona is the only city I’ve ever been to that actually closed off the city center and demanded an entrance fee (I believe it was around CHF10) during their carnival parades. This ticket price is fairly easy to avoid, though, since the parade can be watched from in front of the train station. After the parade, the barriers are taken down and everyone is free to mingle with the costumed revelers.
See also: my blog post about our experience at Rabadan in Bellinzona last year
Share This
