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It all starts with Morgästraich, that moment at 4:00 in the morning when, after what feels like the entire city has gathered downtown, the lights go out and the Cliquen (groups who are part of the festival) start their first march, all at the same time. Basel is turned upside-down during what locals call the “three best days” in the year. The Gugge participate at Cortège on Monday and Wednesday, but Tuesday night is dedicated especially to the Guggemusik, with concerts spread out through the centre of the city, at Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, and Claraplatz.
I didn’t go for the full 72 hours but I definitely got a taste of what Fasnacht is about. After spending an autumn weekend in Basel in 2015 and seeing the sights relating to Fasnacht, I noted future dates down in my calendar and … You also see tiny lanterns which are mounted on the masks (‘LarveLarveLarve are masks which are in part made of laminated paper.’). Everything starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at exactly 4 am – in total darkness. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Often the participants wear the same costume each year, thus as a result the Morgenstreich procession looks relatively similar even as the years progress. You’ll enjoy dozens and dozens of floats during the parades, and you might get thrown an orange or other treat from one of the wagons. Some even until the afternoon, however, these groups do not perform in the afternoon procession. The jovial, yet serious melancholic atmosphere makes Basel Fasnacht a truly unique occasion. Basel Fasnacht is an annual three-day carnival celebration that attracts some 200,000 visitors. Basel Fasnacht has many activities that take place before and after the actual carnival itself. What is unique about Basel Carnival is that it is the only Protestant carnival in the world! +41 61 268 68 68 All participants tend to wear costumes known as ‘CharivariCharivariThe members of a clique or group wear individual costumes.’. Music of the Fasnacht. Cliques will play around 15 – 25 different marches off by heart. After the Morgästraich, join some friends to try some Mehlsuppe, flour soup (a Fasnahct tradition), at one of the local restaurants or pubs.
The Basel Fasnacht begins at 4 am on the dot on the Monday after Ash WednesdayAsh WednesdayThe start of the season of Lent.. Then all the city lights are extinguished and thousands of drummers and flute players begin the opening notes to the marching music entitled, not coincidentally, ‘Morgestraich’. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. When performing one Clique will stop and let the other go by, if their paths are … There were floats of children throwing sweets into the crowd with the music provided by small groups of drummers and pipers. The best way to ward off confetti-throwers is to buy a Fasnacht Blaggedde, a badge or pin worn during the festival, which you can buy in the weeks leading up to Fasnacht. The Carnival of Basel (German: Basler Fasnacht) is the biggest carnival in Switzerland and takes place annually between February and March in Basel. Switzerland Morgestraich in Basel (2013) Basel (Basler Fasnacht): Schnitzelbangg; In protestant Basel, Fasnacht astonishingly begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, since it has been existing since its many re-inventions before and after the … Come rain or shine, the cliques will parade the streets of Basel playing various marches. But it was quite a spectacle and well worth seeing. Whilst all attempts are made to ensure such information is accurate and up-to-date, no guarantees are given. There are some individuals who prefer to drum and play the flute alone as they march through the alleyways of Basel. Besides Mehlsuppe, Chäschüechli, and sausages and beer, there are several treats you can look forward to for Fasnacht. My memories of Fasnacht are the color, the festiveness and the noise (in a good way). The historical melody of ‘Morgenstraich’ is an old military call to attention. Our «Dame Fasnacht» – as the people of Basel lovingly call their festival – will transport you into the world of a different type of carnival. [email protected]Kontakt, Terms of Use / Exclusion of Liability / Privacy Statement. It is a mixture of joie de vivre and melancholy, disguises, death and century old traditions.