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Kilbi in Châtel-st-Denis

Name: Kilbi in Châtel-st-Denis
Start: 2026-10-15T20:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-15T00:00:00+02:00
Location: Case postale , 1618 Châtel-St-Denis, Switzerland

Case postale , 1618 Châtel-St-Denis, Switzerland
Châtel-Saint-Denis, Switzerland
Thu, October 15, 2026 (8:00 pm - 12:00 am)
Sun, October 18, 2026 (11:00 am - 12:00 am)

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Description

Originally, this festival was a thanksgiving celebration: thanks to the gods for everything that nature gives and what is harvested throughout the year. Over the centuries, the religious ceremony lost significance and made way for a folk and gastronomic festival... People eat for six hours or longer: Cuchaule and mustard from Bénichon, broth, ham from La Borne, lamb leg with Botzi pears, meringues, berries, double cream, and delicacies from Bénichon. Afterwards, dancing to folk music.
Program
Thursday 8:00 PM until midnight: card game at Grand'Ours
Friday From 4:30 PM: afterwork at Grand'Ours, heated canteen, Place de l'ancienne gare
Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM: craft market on Grand Rue 2:00 PM: demonstrations at Place d'Armes 4:00 PM: opening of Grand'Ours, heated canteen, Place de l'ancienne gare
Sunday 9:00–10:15 AM: open-air mass 11:00–12:00 PM: official part at Place de l'Institut, dance of the council members and aperitif 3:00 PM: grand parade on the theme "Les contes et Légendes Suisses”, cattle herd, local company float competition, Charivari de la Bénichon, alphorns and flag swingers & brass bands Participation in the parade: CHF 10.00 6:00 PM: award ceremony at Grand'Ours
Big fairground on Place du Grand-Clos throughout the weekend
Fair opening hours:
Friday, October 17 and 24: 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 18 and 25: 2:00 PM
Sunday, October 19 and 26: 2:00 PM
Monday, October 21: 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 22: 2:00 PM
Photo contest: Send us your best photo of the parade by October 30 and win vouchers.

Highlights

Traditional folk festival with culinary specialties
Grand parade with cattle herd and festival wagons
Craft market and live music

General Information

The Bénichon in Châtel-St-Denis celebrates the end of the harvest with a colorful program. Visitors can look forward to a diverse gastronomic offering and numerous events, including a craft market and a large parade.