Yes, we're in the grip of Fasnacht Fever. Ever heard of it before? It's a new for us, but then that's not surprising. We have quite a few "new for us" things happening!
So....what's Fasnacht. Well, I think it means different things to different people and if you want to know more, you'd better google Fasnacht as I don't really want to go into all of it.
But seem I have posted a photo of our little mate Juro, I thought I'd better explain. Juro got dressed up for the children's Fasnacht Parade which we did not attend here in Schopfheim. Each district has their own parade and they can start as early as the middle of January. It seems to go on forever and plenty of confetti is thrown about (oh those waterways!)
Fasnacht Basel is something else. Each area has their own badge which you are meant to purchase if you want to be involved in watching all that is going on. These, I believe are 8 Swiss Francs. A 140 page publication is available if you want to know about everything that is going on, but you have to know the Basel dialect to read it. So, here's some information.
"Make sure you arrive in good time. By 4am there's quite a crowd. Leave handbags and valuable items at home, and only take as much cash as you really need. It's best not to wear contact lenses!! Wear warm and sensible clothing.
Morgenstreich takes place in the entire city centre. Each Clique starts from a different place - so, as a spectator, you don't have to be at a particular spot. The most improtant requirement for the Morgenstreich is total darkness. Do not open curtains or light fireworks. Do not use flash photography, as it dazzles those marching in the procession. In any case, you will find your photos of the lanterns look far more atmospheric with no flash.
General points:
Make sure your carnival badge is prominently displayed. Unlike other carnival events, painted faces, false noses, jester's caps, bawdy songs, raucous or drunken behaviour are all frowned upon at the Basel Fasnacht. The participants' masks, instruments and other carnival paraphernalia restrict their mobility. So please make a point of not getting in their way. Let them go first - especially when they go for their well-earned breaks in restaurants.
Good manners and general consideration for other people are especially important during Fasnacht". (extract taken from Centrepoint magazine for February '07)
Will we be getting up at 2am to make it in time for the parade to start at 4am in Basel?
We haven't quite decided, but I don't think we will be there this year. Not unless our arms get twisted really hard and an offer too good to refuse is forthcoming!
2 comments:
I have to first applaud you for being able to spell the names of those German cities! My fathers ancestors were from Gerolstein, have you ever heard of that city?
I admit I've never heard of Fasnacht but now have learned something new. I don't know that even a good twist on my arm would get me up at 2am though!
You always write with such joy - you must be a very happy person!
Thank you again for stopping by and leaving a comment on my blog!
Pat, you will set me on a mission to find out where Gerolstein is. We love looking up places and learning things. Yes, I am a happy person. We are both so very happy here and doing what we are doing. God has blessed us in every way. Mind you, we do have our 'down' days and sometimes think what we are doing is absolutely crazy (and it probably is)! Thanks for your blogging friendship. Love Gaynor x
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