After Crans-Montana, caution is advised for carnivals
Keystone-SDA
Carnival organisers in Switzerland have been stepping up fire-fighting and safety measures following the deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana.
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In Sierre, canton Valais, it has been decided to cancel the symbolic burning of the “Winter Man” during the carnival festivities. This would have been “symbolically unfortunate one month after the [Crans-Montana] tragedy”, Jérémie Zuber, chair of one of the three organising committees, told the Keystone-ATS news agency.
“Sierre is like a big village. We all know people who have been affected by the tragedy [in which 40 people died and 116 were injured],” he added.
“On the other hand, I think we have a mission to put a smile back on people’s faces to try to get through this difficult time,” said Zuber. The rest of the planned activities, such as processions and concerts, are therefore being maintained.
Emergency exits
The Monthey carnival, one of the biggest in French-speaking Switzerland, will go ahead as planned.
“The safety concept is extremely rigorous,” explained its manager Loïc Manigley. The changes made for this year’s carnival are therefore minor. He cites the addition of emergency exits in the “Cantine” bar.
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Bistros and bars in Montheys will also be inspected by the town. In Sion, canton Valais, the organisers say they have been working with the authorities, police and fire brigade for some time. Pending final greenlight, the event is not currently subject to any additional security measures.
In Fribourg, the carnival relies on a particularly well-structured security system, say the organisers. All the wine cellars and bars that opened in 2025 will be open again this year. Each establishment has a security guard at the entrance and a concept validated by the authorities.
In Bulle, canton Vaud, the carnival is held exclusively in the main hall of the Hôtel de Ville, a space that can accommodate 200 people. Everything is supervised by the fire captain. On the ground, bar managers are trained and informed of the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits. The fire service also checks the establishments on the day the carnival begins.
Upset
Ahead of the Payerne carnival, the organisers have reaffirmed their vigilance. “We have a security plan for the entire festival, with specific aspects for each site,” said Stéphane Wenger, interim president of the event. “We were shocked by the tragedy in Crans-Montana, which was discussed at the very first committee meeting.”
In Moudon, carnival president Guillaume Besson also spoke of heightened awareness following the tragedy in canton Valais. “We’ve received instructions to that effect from the municipality,” he says. In Avenches, on the other hand, no major changes are planned.
Checks in Basel
On the other hand, Switzerland’s biggest carnival in Basel has taken special measures. The fire brigade has been asked to inspect the 70 or so cellars belonging to the cliques who take part in the event. And during the carnival, spot checks will be carried out to ensure that the capacity of the premises is respected.
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Old carnival traditions die hard
Smoking and lighting fires will also be banned on association premises that are accessible to the public. These are just some of the new rules imposed following the tragedy in Crans-Montana, according to Veronika Röthlisberger, director of Basel City Property Insurance. If any shortcomings are identified, the authorities will be able to impose restrictions or even closure.
In Lucerne, where the aim is to control the flow of visitors and facilitate access for emergency services, checks will be stepped up. “This year, there will be three patrols instead of one,” said Christian Wandeler, the city’s head of security, at a press conference on Tuesday.
In Bellinzona, canton Ticino, the fire safety concept has also been updated, particularly for public establishments, which have been transformed into ballrooms for the occasion, and which welcome more customers. The Rabadan committee has also organised free training for all the staff in the temporary bars, to teach them how to use fire extinguishers. Carnival organisers point out that strict measures already existed before the event, notably concerning the flammability of decorations.
Increased risk
In Bern, carnival committee member Thomas Fritz says he is well prepared. Most of the event takes place outdoors. And as the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fire prevention is already “very demanding,” he explained.
The fact remains that carnival increases the risk of fire for a number of obvious reasons. On January 7 this year, the Bern Real Estate Insurance (AIB) reminded operators and owners of premises of their obligations. Additional information has also been sent to clubs and nightclubs in canton Bern.
Adapted from German by AI/sb
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