Rölli-Club Altendorf

Rölli-Club Altendorf is a Swiss carnival club rooted in the Märchler communities of Altendorf, Lachen, Wangen, Siebnen and Reichenburg. Founded in 1923, the club continues a tradition centered on the Rölli, a distinctive carnival figure that has featured in local festivities since the mid-19th century. Its traditional costume includes a jacket and trousers decorated with colorful wool tufts, a bell-covered belt, white gloves and a wooden mask. In Altendorf, the mask is distinguished by a moustache turned downward, and it is worn with a hood-like head covering.

The club helps keep regional carnival customs alive through public celebrations and community activities. Its events include the annual Kostümball, carnival processions and the Chlinä Zischtig gathering marking the close of carnival. The club also shares photographs, news and historical information about its traditions and events. Its roots include fundraising for children’s carnival gifts, an activity that helped inspire the club’s formation. Today, Rölli-Club Altendorf brings members together to celebrate local heritage, organize festivities and pass the Rölli tradition on to future generations.