A magical start of the Basel Fasnacht - tradition and goosebumps
The Basel Fasnacht is a very special spectacle - a mix of tradition, satire and unique atmosphere. While most carnival celebrations are long gone, the big festival in Basel only now begins. The Morgestraich, which is heralded on Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4 a.m. at 4 a.m., is the magical start.
A goosebumps moment in the dark
When the bell strike of the Martinskirche sounds at four in the morning, the city center sinks into complete darkness. All lights are deleted, and for a moment there is absolute silence. Then the command sounds: "Morgestraich: forward, march!" - And suddenly the unmistakable game of the Piccolos and drums starts from all alleys and streets. The city wakes up in a unique mix of darkness and flickering lantern light, while thousands of spectators experience this spectacle live.
Only the artistically painted lanterns of the carnival people donate light. These are worn or pulled through the streets on cars. Each lantern tells a story, often with biting humor or political satire - typical of the Basel carnival.
Why does the Basel carnival take place later?
While the carnival ends with Ash Wednesday everywhere, Basel only begins its carnival a week later. The reason is in centuries -old discussions about the correct start of Lent . Originally, Lent lasted exactly 40 days , but in the 11th century the Sundays were removed from the count - which shifted to the front. In Basel, on the other hand, the old tradition was held , which is why the carnival is only celebrated here a week later.
A festival between joy and melancholy
The Basel Fasnacht is more than just an exuberant folk festival. It combines artistic, political and musical elements with centuries -old traditions. It is colorful, loud and happy - but also through a deep melancholy. Because on Thursday morning, shortly before 4 a.m., when the last drum falls silent and the lanterns go out, it is said again: saying goodbye until next year.
📸 For Da.News, photographer Arthur Schönbein was on site and captured the fascinating impressions of the Morgestraich.
🔗 More information about the Basel Fasnacht is available on the official page: Basel Fasnacht
🔗 Background knowledge about the history of Basel Fasnacht: Planet Knowledge
(Red/AS)
