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Fasnacht 2025

March 1 @ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Helvetia welcomes you to celebrate our 58th Annual Fasnacht.

An indoor and outdoor event, we invite you to join us from 12p to 10p for a celebration of winter, the changing seasons, and a pre-Lenten tradition that dates back to 1520 in Switzerland. Sometimes called the Mardi Gras of Appalachia, Fasnacht is German for “fasting night,” which celebrates a grand feast before a fast. Helvetia’s Fasnacht combines the customs of the Swiss Fasnacht and Sechseläuten, a traditional spring holiday celebrated in the Swiss city of Zürich where they burn an effigy of winter to welcome spring.

We will enjoy fatty foods, listen to Swiss & Appalachian tunes, wear homemade masks to scare away Old Man Winter, parade with lampions, and burn an effigy of the Old Man in hopes of a healthy and happy spring.

Please join us for a celebration that is dear to our community. We only ask that you participate with care and tenderness toward our small village. This event is coordinated entirely by a small group of volunteers so please temper expectations and offer a helping hand to any in need.

All proceeds benefit the village’s restoration, development, and archives

GENERAL ADMISSION (ADULT) – $30
General Admission includes a homemade hozablatz, rosette, or donut (as supplies last), a toy for the children (as supplies last), a music jam session inside the Star Band Hall, access to the Helvetia Museum & Archives, a masquerade where twenty-five masks are awarded a handmade Swiss flag, and admission to the Alpine-Appalachian square dance from 7-10p.
GENERAL ADMISSION (YOUTH 12-17) – $10
Youth attendance includes the same offerings as General Admission.
CHILDREN 11 & UNDER – FREE ADMISSION
Children are encouraged to attend for free. Old Man Winter will have a toy for children (as supplies last), and we would love for you to participate in the masquerade by donning your very own homemade mask. Extra handmade Swiss flags are awarded to masked children.

Details

Date:
March 1
Time:
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Website:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/fasnacht-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawHs3bRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWgKmVAL6QD4B9JPWOkQqBpI5jfvhBhXl84ETJgk0CyqtD35x3w8p_O8cw_aem_q33FBN_IX6PDCjK3B5viGA

Venue

Helvetia, WV 26234, USA
100 Old Helvetia Rd United States + Google Map