A traditional folk festival par excellence, the Châtel-St-Denis Bénichon commemorates the end of the harvest, the herds' descent from the mountain pastures and the return to winter quarters. It takes place every year on the 3rd weekend in October. The following weekend, the Recrotzon is also celebrated: an opportunity to continue the festivities and finish off the leftovers.
Originally, this festival was a blessing: thanks to the gods for all that nature gives and that we harvest during the year. Over the centuries, the religious ceremony disappeared, leaving only the popular, gastronomic feast... We eat for six hours or more: cuchaule and Bénichon mustard, bouillon, jambon de la borne, leg of lamb with Botzi pears, meringues, berries, double cream and Bénichon delicacies. Then it's time to dance to the sound of folk music.
Program
Thursday
20.00 - midnight: Card game at the Grand'Ours
Friday
From 4.30 pm :
Afterwork at the Grand'Ours, heated canteen, place de l'ancienne gare
Saturday
9.00 am - 4.00 pm: Craft market in the Grand Rue
2.00 pm: Demonstrations on the Place d'Armes
4.00 pm: Opening of the Grand'Ours, heated canteen, place de l'ancienne gare
Sunday
11.00 - 12.00 pm: Official part on Place de l'Institut, Councillors' dance and aperitif offered
3 p.m.: Grand procession on the theme of “Les Délices de la Bénichon”, herd of cows, float competition by local companies, Charivari de la Bénichon, Alpine horns and flag-wavers & brass bands / New route for the procession!
Entrance to the procession: CHF 10.00
Meet at the Grand'Ours after the procession
6 p.m.: Prize-giving ceremony
Big funfair on Place du Grand-Clos all weekend long
Fair opening hours:
Friday, October 13 & 20: 4 pm
Saturday, October 14 & 21: 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 15 & 22: 2 pm
Monday, October 16: 2 p.m.
Tuesday, October 17: closed
Wednesday, October 18: 2 p.m.
Thursday, October 19: closed
Photo competition: send in your best photo of the procession until October 26 for a chance to win vouchers for Châtel's Café des Bains and the famous Train Fondue train!
| 10.- CHF |
Dates and timetable
From 16 to 19 Oct 2025
Thursday20:00 - 00:00
Friday16:30 - 00:00
Saturday09:00 - 00:00
Sunday11:00 - 00:00
Les Paccots - La Veveyse Tourisme
Place d'Armes 15
1618 Châtel-St-Denis
+41 (0)21 948 84 56
