The Economic Impact of Carnival Festivals: Beyond the Revelry
When you think of Carnival, what comes to mind first? The vibrant costumes, rhythmic steelpan, soca music, and streets filled with joyous revelers?
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Basel Fasnacht / Basel Carnival
When is the 2024 Basel Carnival?
The Basel Carnival will occur from February 19, 2024, to February 21, 2024.
Where is the Basel Carnival celebrated?
The Basel Carnival is celebrated in Basel, a city in northwestern Switzerland situated on the banks of the Rhine River.
What is Basel Carnival?
The Basel Carnival, the largest in Switzerland and a significant Protestant carnival globally, has a history obscured by time due to the destruction of documents in the 1356 earthquake. The earliest surviving record dates back to 1376. Rooted in Celtic and Germanic customs, the carnival incorporates elements of ancestor worship, winter expulsion, and fertility rituals. Influences from guild gun shows, knight tournaments, and pre-Lenten festivities also played a role.
As the Reformation sought to curb exuberant activities, the Basel carnival transformed into a form of resistance against oppressive authority. In the 19th century, cliques emerged, Schnitzelbank singers appeared, and political themes with satirical undertones became prevalent in parades. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed the carnival evolving into its contemporary form, with new cliques forming, perfected drumming and whistling, and the distinctive Basel independence in costumes and masks. Despite its relatively recent developments, the carnival now boasts traditions and rituals held in high esteem as if they were centuries old.
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What to Expect at Basel’s Carnival?
At the Basel Carnival, one can expect a vibrant and dynamic celebration with a rich cultural tapestry. The festivities include elaborate parades featuring colorful and creative costumes, lively music, and energetic drumming and whistling. Political and satirical themes are often woven into the parade presentations, adding a unique flavor to the event. The atmosphere is filled with joy as participants and spectators alike engage in the lively spirit of the carnival. While rooted in historical traditions, the Basel Carnival continues to evolve, featuring modern elements and maintaining a sense of independence that sets it apart. It’s a time of celebration, camaraderie, and the lively expression of Basel’s unique cultural identity.
Basel Carnival Schedule
Morning Prank
Date: Feb 19, 2024
Location: Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, Rümelinsplatz, Falknerstrasse & Freien Strasse.
The Basel Carnival commences on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4 a.m. with the striking of St. Martin's Church bell, prompting the city center's lights to be switched off. The "Morgestraich: Forward, march!" command signals the start as piccolos and drums resonate through alleys. In the darkened city, carnival participants carrying lanterns create a magical atmosphere for spectators from around the world.
Cortege
Date: Feb 19, 2024
Location: City Center
The major parade, known as the Cortège, unfolds on Carnival Monday afternoon, featuring over 10,000 active participants in various formations. Unlike the Morgenstreich, the Cortège includes all traditional groups, such as Dare, Gugge (brass bands playing a mix of pop, pop, and jazz music), Ainzelmasgge (individual costumed travelers), large and small cliques, groups, and Chaises (carriages).
Lantern Exhibition
Date: Feb 19, 2024
Location: Münsterplatz
From Monday evening onward, the cliques showcase their intricately designed lanterns on Münsterplatz, creating an impressive exhibition of pictorial subjects that come to life after sunset when the lanterns illuminate, reminiscent of the Morning Prank. The lanterns, displaying diverse styles and shapes, showcase the artistic diversity of the cliques, ranging from unmistakable signatures of clique artists to contributions from amateurs experimenting with new techniques and materials. Initially rooted in caricatures of Basel councilors and personalities, this tradition has evolved over decades into a reflection of art history.
Children’s Carnival
Date: Feb 20, 2024
Location: City Center
The city center bustles with lively carnival activities as small groups of children, known as Binggis, accompanied by parents, grandparents, or other adults, actively participate in upholding the carnival traditions. Dressed in imaginative costumes and equipped with drums, instruments, and carts, they parade through the streets distributing homemade Zeedel (leaflets) and Dääfeli (candy) while engaging in playful confetti-throwing. Simultaneously, adults seize the opportunity on Tuesday to partake in the carnival festivities, expressing their creativity through freely assembled formations and personal favorite costumes.
Guggen concert
Date: Feb 20, 2024
Location: In the squares of Barfürsserplatz, Marktplatz, and Claraplatz
On Tuesday evening, the Gugge takes center stage in the city as around 60 brass bands assemble on the exhibition grounds at 6:30 p.m. These Guggen concerts, featuring famous melodies played on trumpets, trombones, tubas, drums, timpani, and percussion, are eagerly anticipated and run from 7:30 p.m. to around 11 p.m. Many of the formations can also be found in city restaurants and squares before and after the concerts, while drumming and whistling groups retreat to the alleys of the old town's outskirts.
Schnitzelbängg
Date: Feb 21, 2024
Location: N/A
One of the pivotal components of the Basel carnival is the Schnitzelbänk, where mocking songs written in verse form serve as the essence of Basel carnival humor. These verses, performed by their authors in a singing manner, meticulously examine events from the past year in politics and society, presenting them with artful rhymes, humor, satire, and a sharp wit. The Schnitzelbänklers showcase their verses on Monday and Wednesday evenings in various venues, including restaurants and theaters, while Tuesday evenings feature performances in Cliquenkellers (the cliques' practice areas) and private residences. Equally significant are the accompanying painted images, known as Helge, which must adeptly capture the essence of each verse without giving away its punchline.
Final Cortege
Date: Feb 21, 2024
Location: City Center
The major parade, known as the Cortège, is repeated on Carnival Wednesday. After midnight, the enthusiastic participants continue to give their best and thoroughly relish this additional highlight of the carnival. On Thursday morning, just before 4 a.m., the cliques and Guggen gather at a designated meeting point to perform a final march or piece of music. It marks the moment to bid farewell and anticipate the forthcoming carnival with excitement.
Need help planning a trip to the Basel Carnival? Contact us here
Want to know more about Carnival?
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