Carnival
The citizens of Basel call their "Fasnacht" or Carnival the "drey scheenschte Dääg" (the three most wonderful days) of the year. The city is turned on its head over this period. In 2010 the Basel Carnival will be staged from 22 to 24 February.
The Basel Fasnacht or Carnival lasts 72 hours – from 4.00 a.m. on Monday morning to 4.00 a.m. in the morning of the following Thursday. Like every year, it once again promises to be an unforgettable experience for adults and children alike. As far as the inhabitants of Basel are concerned, these are certainly the three most wonderful days of the year. Colourful costumes are worn at every corner, and the sounds of piccolos and drums as well as "Guggen" musicians (boisterous brass bands) can be heard throughout the city.
Morgestraich
The Basel Fasnacht is launched with the "Morgenstreich" which starts at precisely four o’clock on Monday morning. So-called "cliques" accompany around 200 illuminated floats which meander through the blacked-out city centre, playing their drums and piccolos. These lampoon subjects which attracted the particular wrath or derision of the inhabitants of Basel over the course of the previous twelve months. Restaurants serve traditional "Mehlsuppe" (a hearty broth made from flour and onion), along with onion and cheese pies.
Processions
On Monday and Wednesday afternoon, starting at 1.30 p.m. over 10,000 masked carnival members parade along a set route displaying their special carnival subjects, accompanied by the sound of drums, piccolos and boisterous Gugge brass bands. They proceed on foot or on carnival floats, carrying lanterns and many other comical accessories. Colourful sheets of paper or "Zeedel" are handed out to spectators along the route; these make fun of local events in witty verse form, and are written in the local Basel dialect. Confetti is thrown from the carnival floats, along with oranges, mimosa and many other items.
"Gugge" concerts
On Tuesday evening the city centre fills with "Gugge" music. These brass bands will be playing their deafening, discordant and often very catchy concerts on Marktplatz, Barfüsserplatz and Claraplatz. The event starts at 8.00 p.m. and is a firm favourite amongst the thousands of regular carnival-goers.
The "Gässle"
The "Gässle" is a very special and popular part of Basel’s Fasnacht activities. This refers to the custom of wandering through the narrow lanes and alleyways of Basel’s Old Town, marching in step with small and large troupes of piccolo players and drummers, enjoying both new and old marching music. Those who take part enjoy the reverie which is entirely in the spirit of this unique festival.
"Schnitzelbänke"
On Monday and Wednesday evenings over 60 groups of so-called "Schnitzelbank" singers make tours of some 30 restaurants. Their Basel-German verses and melodies focus on topical political, social and sporting issues – although the real object of their ridicule becomes apparent only with the final witty words or scurrilous twist.
What’s the best way to get to the Basel Fasnacht?
The best way to come to Basel is by train. If you do have to come by car, it’s best to park in a car park on the outskirts of the city. Basel’s public transport system operates a special and dedicated timetable for trams and busses.
The run-up to Fasnacht in Basel
The pre-carnival period starts in January with a wide variety of special events. In addition to traditional activities, there are also more contemporary events. All of these attract large audiences. More about The run-up to Fasnacht in Basel