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Fire eaters during Fete de la musique in Geneva

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The Fête de la musique or World Music Day is a not-to-be missed musical extravaganza around Switzerland.

If you are new to Geneva and have never been to one the fetes around the world, let me tell you that it transforms the city into a gigantic amphitheater with a wide range of musical ensembles entertaining thousands of revelers.

According to Wikipedia, the idea for a festival celebrating music, was first broached in 1976 by American musician Joel Cohen, then employed by the national French radio station France Musique.

“Cohen proposed an all-night music celebration at the moment of the summer solstice,” many other countries soon followed suit.

Bastions Park is transformed into several open stages during the festival

Several Swiss cities including Lausanne and Nyon celebrate fete de la musique on the solstice, 21 June; Geneva does not.

If you are a resident of one of those communes celebrating on the solstice, you can double your fun by visiting Geneva from 22-24 June, after your hometown celebration.

The city holds the largest festival in Swiss romande (French-speaking Switzerland) with three-days of music in the Old Town and in Bastions Park.

If you have never been to one of these fests I would suggest looking at the program before you head out, and mapping your way around the many concerts. Usually large salsa concerts are held in Meyrin and Lignon, not in the city center and are super crowded so plan in advance.

Impromptu concerts can be heard throughout the city center

Kids can also find lots of activities during Fete de la Musique

Here’s to a great weekend of music!

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