Lucerne in central Switzerland may have a small population of about 60,000 people but is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. And it's certainly no wonder why: Lucerne has an environment of spectacular beauty, with a stunning lake, picturesque mountains and a charming old town. One of its most famous is the Chapel Bridge;? Once the oldest woodbridge of Europe dating from the fourteenth century a fire in 1993 means that the current bridge is mostly a replica?. However, although many tourists simply pass through Lucerne on short trips before exploring the surrounding rural idyll Swiss, its many annual events and festivals that a prolonged stay in the city worth considering. The Lucerne Festival, for example, is one of the respected European classical music festivals. Held every summer, his first event took place in 1938 in the gardens near Villa Tribschen, once the home of German composer Richard Wagner. Since then the festival has expanded considerably. Your summer event of world-class core of classical music and performances by the acclaimed Lucerne Festival Orchestra is joined by two other festivals during the year: the Lucerne Festival at Easter and the Lucerne Festival on the piano. The latter is held each fall, and shows some of the best pianists from around the world. Also in autumn, the city hosts the annual Lucerne Blues Festival, a nonprofit event that aims to boost the profile of blues music in Switzerland. If you are a true fan of blues, the festival offers the ideal opportunity to see established acts and talented up-and-coming worldwide. Basically, do not welcome many stars of the blues, small acts of giving the opportunity to enjoy the spotlight. The organizers also run a program called "blue" in the school during the festival, with artists participating in secondary schools in Lucerne for action and learning sessions. The contemporary music lovers will also find entertainment in Lucerne, with the annual Blue Balls Festival attract international pop and rock stars to the city. In the past, clients have included singer-songwriter, Natalie Cole, KT Tunstall and Gabriella Cilmi, popular artist Newton Faulkner, hip-hop The Roots and musician Gil Scott Heron. However, the annual festivals of Lucerne are not limited to the sphere of music. The Lucerne Cheese Festival is held each October and the Festival Rose d'Or? An important ceremony for the international television? It has been held annually in the city since 2004. And while the Mardi Gras in New Orleans could get all the attention, the Lucerne Carnival itself, known as Fasnacht is one of the liveliest in Europe before Lent celebrations. Starting at 5 am on Shrove Tuesday and ends on Ash Wednesday, Fasnacht in Lucerne is a chaotic event, with people dressed in masks and elaborate costumes parading the streets for several days. March of the revelers is characterized by Guggenmusig, a traditional Swiss carnival banda consists of wind instruments and drums. Be warned, however, that the city can get very busy during the Fasnacht, so be sure to book hotels in Lucerne early if you are planning to participate in their joy. Also make sure you have a good suit and a mask? Without them, you is clearly marked as a tourist.