Fasnacht (Basel Carnival)

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OK since we've returned from South Africa, we are back in the winter zone of Basel, but now it's the beginning of the end of winter, because Fasnacht is upon us. Running annually since perhaps the 11th century, Fasnacht is the beginning of the fasting season of lent (although the Swiss are primarily non-Catholic). The festival, which begins the Monday after Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is marked by music, merriment, food, drink, and amazing costumes.

It always begins with the "Morgenstraich" Monday at 4 am, when all the lights in the city are turned off; the huge illuminated lanterns accompanied by loud marching bands begin promenading through the narrow streets of downtown Basel, for 72 straight hours.

Most groups are cliques: clubs or guilds, which practice for months (to be exact, 11 months, 3 weeks, and 6 days) in advance, feature pipes and drums, and play music that is both traditional-Swiss as well as international (even hip-hop). Some are full brass bands with trombones, trumpets, and tubas. All groups have outlandish costumes and hand out written "Schnitzelbanks," which are poetic satires on the events of the year.

Accompanying the marching bands are "Waggis," or wise fools (in the disguise of a monster) riding on huge floats, handing out prizes, such as oranges, candies, flowers, trinkets, or a handful of confetti for the overly eager.

Want to hear some sounds? Go to

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Additional photos below

Photos: 21, Displayed: 21

Photos

Swiss Guards
The Swiss making fun of themselves, here dressing like the Swiss guards in the Vatican, supposedly protecting the pope

Evi Measures the Snow
We got 12 inches (30 cm) of snow overnight.

Guggenmusic
It sounds disorganized, but these are all accomplished musicians.

Blanket of White
Downtown Basel rests beneath the snow.

Wise Fools
Each club has its own set of costumes, featuring the Waggis, a wise fool who bestows gifts, or plays a joke, on the people.

Restaurant in Downtown Basel
Restaurants are open 24 hours during Fasnacht.

Tons of Confetti
If you look too eager for a free gift, you'll receive a handful of confetti. Keeps you humble.

Some Clubs are 100 Years Old.
More than 10,000 people take part in the cliques, marching musical clubs.

Who's Yo Papa?
Groups spend weeks making the costumes.

A Great Vantage Point
Warm room, hot tea, great view.

This is Where We Live
View of Rumeli Platz, where we live in downtown Basel. For three nights the party raved just outside our window.

Day and Night
The music and marching last all day and all of the night.

Cheese Toast
What is Switzerland without its cheese?

Take a Break
Marchers leave their expensive instruments and costumes on a street while taking a break. Of course, Swiss honesty protects their possessions.

Choose Me
Who is more beautiful?

Somebody Has to Clean Up
Of course, being Swiss, the clean-up takes place each night at 4 AM, so every morning the streets are ready for a new assault of confetti.

Comments

[Edi]

Basels most beautiful 3 days
Fantastic pictures !

[Laura and Eric]

picture
the "Guggenmusic It sounds disorganized, but these are all accomplished musicians" pictures looks distorted to me. Maybe the file got corrupted? The rest of the photos are beautiful.

[so young]

can I use this photo?
hi, my name is so-young I'm a korean editor, I'm making comic books for children about swiss's culture and history. i'm looking for some photo of Basel Fasnacht, and find out this blog. can i use this one photo to our new book? i'll write on the copyright beside the photo on book. please reply about it. I'll wait your e-mail. thank you.