Bellinzona – Rabadan
It might sound like a religous festival, but Rabadan is one of Ticino’s more interesting festivals.
It’s essentially the Bellinzona version of Fasnacht. A twist is that the keys of the city are handed over to King Rabadan, who according to tradition is the most notorious carnival king of Ticino (Tessin).
There’s the usual Fasnacht-style procession for girls and boys, but this takes place on Friday, not Thursday as is often the case in German-speaking parts of Switzerland like Luzern.
The carnival bands come out in force on Saturday and Sunday, based around the Piazza Collegiata.
Food, drink and dancing are catered for through to the early hours of the morning in the many festival tents surrounding the area.
On Sunday, King Rabadan will start the grand procession to commence, there’s a mask competition, street theatres, Calcetto Umano (which I think is some kind of football) and even more also form a part of the event.
Fun guaranteed for all, starting January 31st, just turn up in Bellinzona to take part!
If you understand Italian: www.rabadan.ch
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