Get out your diaries, it's going to be a busy year!
Introduction
The year 2024 promises to be a highlight for manga and pop culture fans in French-speaking Switzerland. With a dynamic cultural scene and a growing community of enthusiasts, manga and pop culture events are becoming increasingly popular. These festivals and conventions attract not only local fans, but also international visitors, testifying to their influence and importance.
These events offer a unique platform for discovering the latest trends in the world of manga, video games and art related to geek culture. They are meeting places for fans, where they can share their passion, meet artists, and take part in activities such as book signings, cosplay workshops, and much more.
What's more, each festival or convention has its own ambience and special features, from the presentation of new manga editions to cosplay competitions, art exhibitions and video game booths. Tickets are often available online, allowing easy access to these must-see events.
Switzerland, with its rich culture and openness to the world, is the ideal location for these pop culture celebrations. The 2024 events, such as Japan Impact, Polymanga, RetroMania, Sakura no Matsuri, Fantasy Basel and Arcana Festival, are must-sees for any fan of manga and geek culture.
Japan Impact 2024
Japan Impact 2024, scheduled for February 17 and 18, promises to be a must-attend event for fans of manga and Japanese culture in French-speaking Switzerland. Located at the EPFL in Lausanne, this annual convention offers total immersion in the fascinating world of manga, video games and Japanese culture. This year's theme is "Yôkai", inviting visitors to explore this mysterious and captivating universe.
The event is known for its diversity of activities, from manga stands, where fans can discover the latest editions, to stages enlivened by cosplay shows and artistic performances. Signings by renowned artists are a highlight, offering visitors a unique opportunity to meet their idols and get personalized autographs.
Japan Impact is also distinguished by its video game village, where attendees can immerse themselves in the latest releases and take part in competitions. The event is also a stage for the region's young creators, giving them the opportunity to present and sell their works of art inspired by manga culture.
Tickets for Japan Impact are available online, providing easy access to this major event. Every year, the event attracts a diverse audience, from manga fans to families, as well as professionals from the art and video game worlds. It's a time for meeting and sharing, where a passion for Japanese culture unites participants in a festive, convivial atmosphere.
In short, Japan Impact 2024 is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of manga culture, highlighting the talent and creativity of this artistic community. With its rich and varied program, this event promises to be a highlight of the year for all fans of manga and Japanese culture in Switzerland.
Infos:
- URL : Japan Impact
- Adress : Esplanade EPFL (MEC 1398.1), Station 9, CH-1015 Lausanne
Polymanga 2024
Polymanga, Switzerland's biggest festival dedicated to pop culture, video games and manga, returns for its 17th edition from March 29 to April 1, 2024 in Montreux. With over 50,300 visitors in 2022, Polymanga has established itself as a must-attend event for fans of all ages. This unique event takes place at the 2M2C in Montreux, a spacious venue adapted to host a wide range of activities.
Every year, Polymanga attracts prestigious guests, including manga authors, animators, YouTubers and famous cosplayers. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in signings, attend conferences, and even meet their idols. The festival also features a multitude of stands where the latest manga editions and pop culture items are available.
One of Polymanga's highlights is its video game village, offering visitors the chance to play the latest games and take part in tournaments. Cosplay is also an essential part of the event, with competitions allowing participants to show off their talents and creations.
The festival strives to be accessible to all, with tickets available online and free entry for children under 9. Polymanga is more than just an event; it's a celebration of pop and manga culture, bringing together enthusiasts from all over the world in a spirit of sharing and fun.
Infos :
- URL : Polymanga 2024
- Adress : 2M2C Montreux, Avenue Claude Nobs 5, 1820 Montreux, Suisse
RetroMania 2024
RetroMania 2024, scheduled for April 27 at Payerne's Halle des Fêtes, is a nostalgic celebration of geek culture and retrogaming. This year marks the 5th edition of this unique festival, promising a day full of memories and discoveries.
The event features a huge geek garage sale, where visitors can find games, consoles, figurines and other treasures from the past. For Pokémon enthusiasts, RetroMania offers card-selling and swapping workshops, as well as tournaments. Fans of manga and pop culture will have the opportunity to discover works of art, drawings and heroes from their childhood.
RetroMania's main stage is dedicated to tournaments for popular video games such as Smash Bros, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. In addition, auctions are organized, featuring collectors' items and lots from major licenses such as Star Wars and Dragon Ball Z.
This unique day is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the video games and manga of our youth, while discovering the latest trends in this fascinating culture.
Infos :
- URL : RetroMania
- Adress : Halle des Fêtes, Payerne, Suisse
- Price: 6 CHF for adults, 2 for kids (from 6), free for cosplayers
- Start time : 11am
Sakura no Matsuri
Sakura no Matsuri is an annual festival celebrating Japanese culture, including manga, anime and video games. Scheduled for March 23 and 24, 2024 in Winterthur, the festival is a family-friendly get-together for anyone with a passion for Japan and all things Japanese. The festival offers a wide variety of activities, including art workshops, cultural talks, and discussion areas, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the world of geek culture.
Visitors can explore the large market hall, where they'll find stalls selling unique merchandise, manga books, and handicrafts. In addition, the festival features areas dedicated to video games, where attendees can play their favorite titles and discover new releases. Fans of Pokémon and other popular heroes will also find plenty to do, with specific activities and meeting zones.
In addition to its merchandise display, Sakura no Matsuri is distinguished by its drawing workshops and competitions, offering artists the opportunity to showcase their talents. It's also an opportunity for cosplay fans to dress up as their favorite characters and take part in parades.
With its family atmosphere and wealth of activities, Sakura no Matsuri is an unmissable celebration of Japanese culture in Switzerland, attracting visitors from all walks of life.
Infos :
- URL : Sakura no Matsuri
- Adress : Teuchelweiher, Winterthur, Suisse
Fantasy Basel – The Swiss Comic Con
Fantasy Basel, May 9-11, 2024, celebrates its 10th anniversary as one of Switzerland's most diverse and exciting pop culture conventions. Located in Basel, this convention is a paradise for fans of comics, manga, video games and more, attracting visitors from all over for an immersive and exhilarating experience.
With over 80,000 m2 of exhibition space, Fantasy Basel offers an incredible variety of entertainment and activities. Visitors can expect to meet film and TV stars, renowned artists and talented cosplayers. The convention also features action zones, exhibitions, merchants and fan groups, creating a dynamic and interactive environment.
Video game fans will be delighted with areas dedicated to gaming, eSports and virtual reality. For fans of Pokémon and other popular franchises, there will be special areas to play and exchange. Conferences and workshops offer opportunities for learning and exchange with experts from various fields of pop culture.
In addition, Fantasy Basel offers a rich program of concerts and artistic performances, paying tribute to the diversity and creativity of the pop culture scene. This event is a must for those seeking to immerse themselves in a world of fantasy, creativity and innovation.
Infos:
- URL : Fantasy Basel – The Swiss Comic Con
- Adress : Messe Basel, Messeplatz, 4005 Bâle, Suisse
Arcana Festival
The Arcana Festival, scheduled for September 13-16, 2024 in Morges, is an event dedicated to the magic of fantasy culture and wonder. It offers a unique blend of manga, games, concerts and interactive activities. This edition promises to be an immersive experience for fans of all genres, from comic book heroes to manga creatures.
The festival features fascinating exhibitions, drawing workshops, and lectures on various topics related to pop and fantasy culture. It's the perfect opportunity for fans of Pokémon and other cult series to get together and share their passion. In addition, the festival hosts concerts, adding a musical dimension to the experience.
With over 150 stands, the Arcana Festival is a paradise for treasure hunters and collectors, offering everything from books to collectibles. It's a space where imagination and creativity meet, paying tribute to the richness of geek culture.
Infos:
- URL : Arcana Festival
- Adress : Av. de Vertou 2, 1110 Morges, Suisse
In 2024, French-speaking Switzerland will be the scene of an unprecedented celebration of manga and pop culture. Each event - Japan Impact, Polymanga, RetroMania, Sakura no Matsuri, Fantasy Basel, and Arcana Festival - will offer a unique experience, from new releases to beloved classics. Exhibitions, concerts, conferences and drawing workshops will enliven these festivals, paying tribute to the heroes of manga and pop culture. These events are the perfect opportunity for fans of Pokémon, video games and manga books to get together and share their passion. These festivals confirm French-speaking Switzerland as a vibrant center of geek and manga culture.
Maybe you want to learn how to draw your favorite manga characters? In that case, nothing better than taking a comic/manga drawing class to learn how to draw them and share your interests. Apolline offers courses in Lausanne, Morges, Montreux, Bienne and Delémont. And to deepen your knowledge even more, you can take part in the comic/manga drawing vacation camps that take place all over the French-speaking part of Switzerland during the school vacations!
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