Monday morning, 19 February 2024
When:
04.00 o’clock Monday morning, 19 February 2024
Where: Basel, Switzerland
Homepage: fasnachts-comite.ch
Map: Basel on Google Maps
Hotels: Hotels in Basel
The Swiss do many things differently, and their carnival, called `Fasnacht´, is no exception.
Their festivities begin later than in the rest of Europe, which has to do with religion.
The beginning of Fasnacht is on the first Monday after Ash Wednesday.
It is a mixture of joie de vivre and melancholy, disguises, death and century-old traditions.
The most striking difference to other carnivals is the strict separation of spectators and activists.
“The various cliques”, whose members prepare all year long for their floats, costumes and Schnitzelbänk. are the centre of the Carnival.
Another difference is that there are no Prince and Princess of the Carnival at Fasnacht in Basel.
Turning to the most important and impressive event, the ‘Morgestraich’: On Monday at 4.00 am on the dot, the entire inner city is plunged into darkness, including the street illumination.
Then, out of the black, you hear the sound of drums and pipes.
Then illuminated, giant lanterns come into view and the long line of cliques in their traditional costumes and masks.
Prominently the Wäggis walk the prescribed route past thousands of spectators that’s been standing in the cold for hours to get the best view.
The early spectacle is well worth the ´suffering´.
After that, the many restaurants, known as ‘baizes’ fill to breaking point with masks and spectators alike to warm up with Mehlsuppe, another tradition, and mulled wine.
All day long, drummers and pipers, either in groups or alone, roam the streets of Basel, constantly playing their tunes.
The next day belongs to the floats, each with a different theme, often political, and in the evening satiric performances, called ‘Schnitzelbänk’ entertain the visitors.
Further events are the lantern exhibitions, a Fasnacht for children and balls.
One of the best balls is held in Basel´s oldest 5-star hotel Les Trois Rois, located on the Rhine with a huge terrace overlooking the water.
There are a lot of other events during the three days.
Balls, parties, Schnitzelbänk performances etc., where the spectators can let their hair down.
During the ‘Morgestraich’ and the parade, the stage belongs to the cliques.
The 5-star hotel Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, stands out to be one of the best hotels in Basel.
If you don’t like the luxurious style, there are many other options and here is an overview.
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