Not quite 100: Fasnacht society

Bad Ragaz

The Bad Ragaz carnival society was founded in 1938 and is the oldest in the region. It has made a significant contribution to the preservation and further development of carnival traditions. The history of carnival in Bad Ragaz is rich in anecdotes and traditions.

In the 1970s in particular, the carnival was revived by committed villagers, having previously consisted almost exclusively of a children's parade. With renewed vigor, the members of the carnival society brought the parade back to the village, introduced badges as a sign of belonging and support and managed to actively involve the entire village community.

Old traditions experience a revival

One of the oldest and most humorous carnival traditions is the Schnitzelbank. In Bad Ragaz, the "Zwüschahoch" group is reviving this old custom. With wit and the art of words, the members humorously poke fun at the events of the past year and provide great entertainment at various events. Other carnival customs have also experienced a revival in Bad Ragaz in recent years, especially after the coronavirus pandemic five years ago. For example, the carnival newspaper and puppet making for the so-called "Gärtlifasnacht" are becoming increasingly popular again.

Mask carving, an age-old craft, is also becoming increasingly important in Bad Ragaz. This tradition is called "Felbala" in the village and depicts the friendly face of an elderly lady. The elaborate masks are made by hand over many hours by the neighboring carving friends in Flums. Flums' town hall cellar is also home to the famous mask museum, which presents an impressive collection of historical and modern masks from all over Sarganserland.

Colourful program for all generations

Over the years, the carnival in Bad Ragaz has developed into a multifaceted event that has something to offer for all generations. From the generational carnival, children's carnival and the youth disco by the "Solidara" to the traditional parade and events such as the "Ragazopoly", in which participants visit pubs on a village course, or the carnival shooting, in which the 5th worst shooter takes home the challenge cup - a root.

The "Dirty Thursdays" form the heart of the Ragaz carnival. They kick off three weeks before the main carnival weekend with the Ihüttlata - a reference to the nationally known Ihuttlätä in Mels - with the installation of the carnival society's Intschenörhüttli and a guest appearance by the Guggamusig Quellnögg. On Dirty Thursdays, the Hüttli and various decorated village pubs invite you to celebrate before the main carnival period. The events are not only a meeting place for locals, but also a magnet for visitors from all over the region. The grand finale is the big parade on Carnival Monday, when the entire village community comes together to bid a fitting farewell to the carnival season.

You can find the entire carnival program in Bad Ragaz here.

Fasnacht - a custom that unites

"The carnival is very important for village life," explains Patrick Probst, President of the Bad Ragaz carnival society. "It brings young and old together, strengthens the community and offers new residents the opportunity to integrate quickly - even across club boundaries."

Fasnacht combines tradition and community. It is an expression of joie de vivre, creativity and cohesion. People who responsibly pursue their jobs and families all year round use this special time to let loose, dress up and celebrate together. Topics that affect the village and the region can be addressed and discussed in a humorous way.

Carnival stronghold Sarganserland-Werdenberg

Not only in Bad Ragaz, but in the entire Sarganserland-Werdenberg region, carnival has a firm place in the annual calendar. The Melser Fasnacht with the "Ihuttlätä" is internationally renowned. The Gams Carnival may not be quite as big and nationally known, but it is becoming increasingly popular.

And best of all: thanks to the Wartau carnival which, like the famous Basel carnival, does not begin until after Ash Wednesday, the carnival in our region also goes into extra time. For carnival revellers in the region, this means a whole month full of foolish highlights, unforgettable experiences and exuberant celebrations - three weeks of more joy, tradition and conviviality than anywhere else.

Discover more special features of our Sarganserland-Werdenberg living and working region at www.rsw.ch.