Grab your calendar, folks, because today we’re talking about the timing of one of the most colorful, riotous, and downright unique events on the planet – the Basel Carnival, or as the locals call it, “Fasnacht.”
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Not Your Average Carnival Timing
If you’re picturing a summer carnival under a bright blue sky, hold your horses. The Basel Carnival marches to the beat of its own drum – literally – and it does so in the cold, dreary months of late winter.
The Morgenstraich Kickoff
The carnival officially begins with “Morgestraich.” Imagine this: it’s 4 a.m. on a Monday morning, a week after Ash Wednesday. Most people are snuggled in their beds, but not in Basel. The city’s lights go out, and in the darkness, the sound of drums and piccolos fill the air. The streets come alive with lanterns, and the carnival is underway. It’s a sight to behold, like something out of a magical realism novel.
Three Days of Merriment
From Morgestraich, the carnival continues non-stop for exactly 72 hours. That’s three full days of masks, music, and merriment, ending at 4 a.m. on Thursday. It’s like the city of Basel collectively decides to throw caution to the wind and embrace the spirit of Fasnacht, come rain, snow, or shine.
Why So Late?
You might be wondering why the Basel Carnival happens later than most other carnivals, which typically take place before Lent. The exact reason is lost in the mists of time, but one theory is that it was a form of protest by the Protestants of Basel against the Catholic tradition of Lent. Another theory suggests it was simply practical – after all, February in Switzerland is a bit chilly for an outdoor party!
So, there you have it. The Basel Carnival happens a week after Ash Wednesday, beginning with the mystical Morgestraich at 4 a.m. and continuing non-stop for three full days.
Do you think you could handle the whirlwind of Fasnacht? Would you be up and ready for the 4 a.m. start? What part of the carnival would you look forward to the most?
