Fasnacht 2026: Liechtenstein and Neighboring Regions Prepare for Vibrant Carnival Celebrations

Liechtenstein and its neighboring areas are set to come alive with the vibrant traditions of Fasnacht 2026, featuring an extensive program of carnival parades, masked balls, and musical performances. The 'fifth season' of festivities will span several weeks, with key events concentrated from late January through mid-February, culminating in the main carnival days leading up to Shrove Tuesday.

Key Dates and Main Events

The heart of Fasnacht 2026 in Liechtenstein will largely unfold between Thursday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Shrove Tuesday marking the traditional end of the carnival period. However, celebrations and preparatory events, known as 'Vorfasnacht', will commence much earlier. Notable early events include the Schaabumm in Schaan on January 10, and the Trisunaball in Triesen on January 24.

The main Fasnacht week will see a flurry of activities across the principality:

• Thursday, February 12: Events such as the 'Schmutzia Dornsteg' in Balzers and 'Ihuttlättä' in Mels will kick off the main carnival days.
• Friday, February 13: Highlights include the 'Buuraball' in Schaan and the 'Crazy Ball' in Vaduz, alongside school parades and evening concerts.
• Saturday, February 14: Schaan will host a Kindermaskenball and a significant Monsterkonzert, while Malbun will feature its parade and street carnival.
• Sunday, February 15: The International Fasnacht Parade in Schaan is a major draw, with other parades and children's masked balls taking place in various communities.
• Monday, February 16: Parades are scheduled in Mauren and Bad Ragaz, with masked balls like 'Maschkara-Mäntig' in Triesen.
• Tuesday, February 17: The final day of Fasnacht will feature parades in Triesenberg and Mels, along with children's carnival events in Ruggell and the traditional 'Finale Furioso' in Triesenberg.

Parades and Masked Balls Across the Region

Beyond the main week, numerous parades and masked balls are scheduled throughout January and early February. Vaduz will host a parade and a children's masked ball on February 7, the same day Mauren holds its 'Murer Zirkus - Maskenball'. Other communities like Gamprin, Eschen, and Ruggell will also contribute to the festive atmosphere with their own children's masked balls and 'Monsterkonzerte'.

The surrounding region, including parts of Switzerland and Austria, will also participate in the carnival spirit. Events such as the 'Wiler Fastnacht' in Wil SG from February 11 to 15 and the 'St. Gallen Carnival' from February 12 to 17 are notable regional celebrations. Towns like Sargans, Bad Ragaz, Feldkirch, and Hohenems will feature their own parades and 'Monsterkonzerte', drawing participants and spectators from across the border.

Cultural Significance and Traditions

Fasnacht in Liechtenstein is deeply rooted in tradition, characterized by elaborate costumes, intricately carved masks, and the distinctive sounds of Guggenmusik – brass bands playing deliberately 'off-key' tunes. The 'Monsterkonzerte', where multiple Guggenmusik groups perform together, are a highlight of the celebrations. Local customs also include 'Ruassla', where children playfully blacken each other's faces, and the election of a 'Gemeinderat' (municipal council) in Malbun during Fasnacht. The Narrenzunft Schaan, founded in 1965, plays a crucial role in organizing many of the larger events, particularly in Schaan, which is considered a carnival stronghold.