Valais Festivities: Calendar of Must-Attend Events

Valais, a festive land with its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, hosts several major events throughout the year. Below is a non-exhaustive calendar of events not to be missed in Valais:

• Verbier Festival (July 2024): An internationally renowned classical music festival that attracts musicians, conductors, and classical music enthusiasts from around the world.
• Zermatt Unplugged (April 9 to 13, 2024): A unique acoustic music festival, set in the spectacular backdrop of Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background.

• Foire du Valais in Martigny (September 29 to October 8, 2023): The largest trade fair in the region, showcasing local products, crafts, and various cultural activities.
• Chestnut Festival in Fully (October 14-15, 2023): A celebration of the chestnut harvest, with markets, tastings, and cultural activities.
• Combat des Reines (March to October): A unique Valais tradition where Hérens cows compete to determine the "queen" of the herd, a fascinating and very popular spectacle.

• Carnival of Sion (February 8 to 13, 2024): One of the largest carnivals in Switzerland, featuring colorful parades, traditional costumes, and plenty of music.
• Sion Sous Les Etoiles (July 2024): "Sion Sous Les Etoiles" is a popular outdoor music festival held in the historic city of Sion, providing a stage for national and international artists under the starry Swiss summer sky.
• International Alphorn Festival in Nendaz (July 2024): The Alphorn Festival is a unique annual event celebrating this traditional Swiss instrument in an enchanting alpine setting.
• Omega European Masters (August 31 to September 3, 2023): A prestigious golf tournament in Crans-Montana, attracting the world's top golfers.
• Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana (March 29-31 and April 5-7, 2024): A very popular electronic music festival, known for its outdoor stages with breathtaking views of the Alps.