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.

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
Thursday20.00 - midnight: Card game at the Grand'Ours
Friday From 4.30 pm :Afterwork at the Grand'Ours, heated canteen, place de l'ancienne gare
Saturday9.00 am - 4.00 pm: Craft market in the Grand Rue2.00 pm: Demonstrations on the Place d'Armes4.00 pm: Opening of the Grand'Ours, heated canteen, place de l'ancienne gare
Sunday11.00 - 12.00 pm: Official part on Place de l'Institut, Councillors' dance and aperitif offered3 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 10.00Meet at the Grand'Ours after the procession6 p.m.: Prize-giving ceremony
Big funfair on Place du Grand-Clos all weekend longFair opening hours:
Friday, October 13 & 20: 4 pmSaturday, October 14 & 21: 2 p.m.Sunday, October 15 & 22: 2 pmMonday, October 16: 2 p.m.Tuesday, October 17: closedWednesday, 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!