Balloons, tunes and drummers: festival fever Switzerland

Though of course Switzerland is one nation, its 26 cantons, each of which has a considerable amount of autonomy, cling proudly to their individual culture and traditions and continue to celebrate both historic and modern festivals.

Every January strange brightly coloured objects can be seen floating in the skies of Chateau d'Oex, a small alpine town nestled in the Bernese Oberland, close to its better known neighbour Gstaad. Chateau d'Oex's International Hot Air Balloon Festival is the worlds' premier hot air ballooning event, which attracts over 100 balloons from 15 different countries. The reason for its success is partly down to the area's unique microclimate; its position within a wide sloping valley bowl creates thermal conditions which are ideal for flying. And the views from a balloon basket aren't bad either; souring over snowy high alpine mountains and valleys, it's little wonder that the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.

If you're looking for a festival that is a little more down to earth, try Switzerland's Rock Oz'Arenes, a massive music festival well worthy of a visit. What began as a one day event in 1992 and attracted just 730 people is now a four day festival held in the roman Amphitheatre of Avenches. The event hosts some of the biggest international pop, rock and hip hop acts, and has seen the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed perform in recent years.

Those looking for a more traditional festival should take a visit to Fasnacht in Basel, which is recognised as the most popular festival in Switzerland, with some 15,000 to 20,000 marked participants taking part.

The origins of Fasnacht are somewhat obscure and unsure, largely because a huge earthquake in 1356 destroyed large parts of Basel along with many written records. Historians believe that the festival came about due to a row at a jousting tournament been the citizens of Basel and some knights. The argument is said to have tuned nasty, with the locals chasing the knights out of town and killing four of them in the process. But retribution was harsh; 12 citizens were beheaded and the Empire of the time (Charles IV) put a ban on the city, meaning that it was no longer protected by the Roman Empire.

Basel now celebrates this slightly bizarre part of their history with Fasnacht. When the city clock rings out at 4am, thousands of fifers and drummers in Charivari costumes with small headlights begin to move through the dark centre of town, whilst playing their carnival music. By day a huge procession takes place along with live music, a lantern exhibition and carnival floats.

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