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January 9, 2026 Ceremony

The ceremony took place — January 9, 2026

National Day of Mourning. Tribute paid to the victims at CERM Martigny in the presence of heads of state and over 2,000 people.

Ceremony Recap

The national ceremony was held at the Martigny Exhibition and Convention Center (CERM), with over 2,000 attendees and 37 foreign delegations.

Ceremony Program

1:45 PMCeremony opening — welcoming dignitaries
1:59 PMAnnouncement of minute of silence by President Parmelin
2:00 PMNational minute of silence — all of Switzerland paused
2:00 PMChurch bells rang throughout Switzerland for 5 minutes
2:05 PM+Speech by Guy Parmelin (President of Swiss Confederation)
—Speech by Mathias Reynard (President of Valais government)
—Speech by Emmanuel Macron (President of France)
—Speech by Sergio Mattarella (President of Italy)
—Rose ceremony — dignitaries laid roses in memory of victims

Dignitaries Present

  • Switzerland: Guy Parmelin (President), Ignazio Cassis, Beat Jans, Federal Council
  • France: Emmanuel Macron, Minister Haddad
  • Italy: Sergio Mattarella
  • Luxembourg: Grand Duke Henri
  • Belgium: Prime Minister Bart de Wever
  • European Union: Roberta Metsola (Parliament President), Hadja Lahbib (Commissioner)
  • + 37 foreign delegations

Practical information

DateFriday, January 9, 2026
LocationMartigny — Exhibition and Convention Center (CERM)
Ceremony start1:45 PM
Minute of silenceNationwide, at 2:00 PM
Church bellsAll churches in Switzerland will ring at 2:00 PM
Confirmed attendeesPresident Parmelin + Federal Council (Cassis, Jans)
President Macron (France) + Min. Haddad
President Mattarella (Italy)
Grand Duke Henri (Luxembourg)
PM de Wever (Belgium)
Roberta Metsola (European Parliament President)
Hadja Lahbib (EU Commissioner)
37 foreign delegations
SchoolsHaut-Plateau: closed in the afternoon
AccessOpen to the public

Source: RTS, Le Temps, January 8, 2026.

Traffic restrictions — January 9

9am-7pmRoads closed: Rue du Levant, Rue d'Octodure
10am-8pmDrone ban + secured perimeters (CERM, fire station)
11am-5pmTrain Martigny ↔ Martigny-Bourg suspended (bus replacement)

Source: Valais Cantonal Police

Broadcast at Crans-Montana

For the public: live broadcast at Le Régent Center (registration required).

Start: 1:45 PM. Parking unavailable (construction) — free shuttles available.

Ceremony in Italy

A memorial ceremony will also be held in Italy on January 9, at the request of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Purpose of the ceremony

According to Valais government president Mathias Reynard:

"This ceremony will be an opportunity for the community to come together and grieve together."

Weekend tributes (January 3-5)

Sunday, January 5 — Saint-Christophe Chapel

Memorial ceremony followed by a silent march of over 1,000 people towards the center of Crans-Montana.

"The square in front of the chapel was packed."

Saturday, January 3 — 6:00 PM — Lutry Temple (VD)

1,500 people attended the memorial ceremony.

Vaud municipality particularly affected by the tragedy.

Sunday, January 4 — Mass and silent march

Mass celebrated at St-Christophe Chapel, Crans (10:00 AM), led by Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey. Readings in German, French and Italian.

Condolence message from Pope Francis shared during the ceremony.

Over 1,000 people participated in the silent march to Le Constellation bar, carrying flowers and candles.

Sunday, January 4 — Morning

Joint prayer in all parishes of Canton Vaud.

Sources: RTS, Le Matin, January 3-5, 2026.

Spontaneous memorial

Flowers and candles have been placed near Le Constellation bar. This informal space for remembrance remains accessible.

National mourning

Flags are at half-mast for 5 days at the Federal Palace and Valais cantonal buildings.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called this event "one of the worst tragedies" in recent Swiss history.

Online condolence book

The Swiss Confederation has opened a condolence book to express sympathy to the victims.

admin.ch/condoleances (FR/DE/IT/EN)

Official sources

Ceremony details will be communicated by:

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