Basel Switzerland

Fasnacht is like one big family party for the whole of Basel, although guests are obviously more than welcome.

It has to be said that the Basel carnival, whose origins are deeply rooted in local tradition, does not give visitors much of an opportunity for active participation in the proceedings. And there are really bound to be many things you might not understand: the Basel dialect, the things we make fun of (usually local events and personalities), and their own special brand of humour with its strong irony. Even so, you are sure to be fascinated by the incredible party atmosphere, the vivid colours of the carnival costumes, the stirring tunes of the drummers and piccolo players, and the weird and wonderful «Guggen» music played by the brass bands.

Perhaps you will simply enjoy wandering around Basel 's lively streets, alleys, bars and restaurants, absorbing this unique mixture of celebration and melancholia, and the haunting enactment of mediaeval ritual: the dance of death (Totentanz) and the masquerade (Mummenschanz).

The best way to enjoy the Basler Fasnacht is simply to wander around the streets and go with the flow. And a final tip: don't take their humour too seriously!
(source: http://fasnacht.ch - retreived 2008-02-13)