The run-up to Fasnacht in Basel
Before the Basel Fasnacht or carnival gets under way, a large number of pre-carnival events are held in the weeks preceding the "Morgestraich". This begins with the presentation of the "subjects" and the current "Blaggedde" or "carnival badge".
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.
Fauteuil-Pfyfferli
Thanks to a good mix of text, carnival music and show, not to mention a record number of 54 performances, this year’s Pfyfferli from 6 January to 21 February at the Fauteuil once again promises to be one of the highpoints of the pre-carnival scene.
Further information and tickets
Kinder-Charivari
This year’s Kinder-Charivari for children on the Theater Basel’s Small Stage is entitled "D Gschicht vo de Drummelgaischter". The performances will take place on 30 and 31 January and 6 and 7 February.
Tickets: the Theater Basel box office.
Mimösli
The 2010 Basel pre-carnival event Mimösli stands under the motto "unglaublig...". This can be enjoyed at the Haebse Theatre from 7 January to 13 February. As always, Mimösli also features a surprise number.
Further information and tickets
Monstre Drum Concert
The Monstre Drum Concert is better-known by the name “Drummeli”. The Drummeli is a show presented by the major carnival cliques: Around 1300 participants appear on stage during the three-hour programme. The musical marathon is interspersed by so-called “Rahme-Stiggli” light entertainment numbers.
Further information and tickets
Offiziells Brysdrummle und -pfyffe
This carnival competition is overseen by the Carnival Committee. The event is used to select successors for the current reigning “drum kings” and “pipe queens”. There are elimination rounds in individual and group competitions for pipe-players, drummers and mixed groups. Preliminary rounds are held from 28 to 30 January at various venues in the city centre.
Tickets: Entrance to the preliminary rounds is free of charge. Tickets for the final can be booked under: offiziells@fasnacht.ch.
Ridicule
Ridicule is a pre-carnival event featuring a selection of high-quality carnival music and fresh, mischievous, witty and contemplative texts. The event involves drummers and pipe-players, satirists, brass bands and actors from the Helmut Förnbacher Theater Companie. Ridicule will be staged from 6 January to 13 February at the Theater im Badischen Bahnhof.
Tickets: TicTec box offices, BaZ, Bivoba, Manor, Migros Claramarkt, M-Park, Musik Wyler, SAS Radisson and Stadtcasino, info@foernbacher.ch
Theater Arlecchino
Theater Arlecchino will be presenting an in-house production from 9 January to 7 February "dr Aff isch los!" for children and whole families. The show involves acting, singing and a great deal of carnival music.
Further information
Wirrlete
A carnival satire with musical ricochets and a great deal of self-irony surrounding the three (hundred and sixty five) most wonderful days of the year. Audiences can expect surprises, and for this reason should not miss the show under any circumstances.
Further information and tickets
Zofingerconzärtli
The Zofingerconzärtli is the oldest pre-carnival event in Basel. In addition to classical and carnival music, from 4 January to 6 February the student’s association Zofingia will be presenting a show in the Stadtcasino Theater-Stiggli which satirises personalities and events in Basel, Switzerland and the world.
Further information and tickets