More than 400 people donned bowler hats, canes, and toothbrush moustaches in the Swiss town of Vevey on Saturday, attempting to set a new world record for the largest gathering of Charlie Chaplin impersonators. The event, organized by the Chaplin’s World museum, drew participants from across Switzerland and neighbouring countries, all eager to honour the silent film star who spent the last 25 years of his life in the region.
The crowd gathered on the shores of Lake Geneva, near the statue of Chaplin that has become a local landmark. Organizers counted 423 participants dressed in full Chaplin regalia, though the official verification by Guinness World Records is still pending. The current record stands at 1,000 impersonators, set in 2015 in Los Angeles, but the Vevey attempt aimed to reclaim the title for Switzerland, where Chaplin lived from 1953 until his death in 1977.
A Tribute to a Cinematic Icon
Chaplin’s World, the museum dedicated to the actor’s life and work, spearheaded the event as part of its ongoing efforts to keep his legacy alive. “Charlie Chaplin was a global figure, but he chose Switzerland as his home,” said Yves Durand, the museum’s director. “This gathering is a way for the community to celebrate his humour, his humanity, and his enduring influence on cinema.”
Participants ranged from seasoned impersonators to families with children, all meticulously recreating Chaplin’s iconic Tramp character. Many had spent weeks perfecting their costumes, from the baggy trousers to the distinctive waddle. “I’ve been a fan since I was a child,” said Marie-Claire Dubois, a 52-year-old teacher from Lausanne. “To be here, surrounded by so many people who share that passion, is incredible.”
The event also included a parade through Vevey’s old town, with participants performing Chaplin’s signature moves—twirling canes, tipping hats, and shuffling in his unmistakable gait. Local businesses joined in, decorating shop windows with Chaplin memorabilia and offering discounts to anyone in costume.
Switzerland, known for its precision and order, might seem an unlikely home for the anarchic Tramp, but Chaplin found solace in the country’s neutrality and privacy. His estate, Manoir de Ban, now houses the Chaplin’s World museum, which attracts visitors from around the globe. The museum’s location in Vevey, a picturesque town on the Lavaux vineyards, has become a pilgrimage site for film enthusiasts.
The record attempt comes amid a broader resurgence of interest in silent film and early cinema, with festivals and retrospectives drawing new audiences. In a world dominated by digital effects and rapid editing, Chaplin’s physical comedy and emotional depth continue to resonate. “His work transcends language and culture,” said film historian Lukas Keller of the University of Zurich. “Events like this remind us that laughter is universal.”
While the official record confirmation may take weeks, participants were already celebrating the spirit of the day. “Whether we break the record or not, we’ve already won,” said Hans-Peter Müller, a 68-year-old retiree from Bern, adjusting his bowler hat. “For a few hours, we all became Charlie Chaplin.”
