With yesterday's Ash Wednesday, in many places the excessive carnival season ended while the Forty Days of Lent began. Not everywhere, though: In some Swiss cantons as well as in the South of Germanys carnival beats to a different drum. Literally, they lag behind like the Old Carnival. An expression referring to the late date of the Old Carnival, also called Buurefasnacht (Bauernfasnacht). This is typically celebrated after Ash Wednesday. Depending on the region it lasts until the Sunday after Ash Wednesday (Funkensonntag) or it starts then, like the famous Basel carnival.
Why are we celebrating carnival?
Carnival is a Christian custom that is celebrated during the pre-easter Lent period. The carnival period begins on November 11th and reaches its peak in the week during schmutzige Donnerstag and Ash Wednesday. The Lent with its rigorous prohibitions was no walk in the park, especially in medieval times. The preceding carnival was therefore some kind of social and culinary outlet. No wonder, many traditional carnival foods are greasy and heavy, like Fasnachtsküchlein. By the way: In dialect schmutz stands for "greasy" as well as "little kiss". Very appropriate therefore, that schmutzige Donnerstag rings in the consumption of all the greasy food and other festivities.
Exorcising evil spirits is a commonly given reason for celebrating carnival. Yet, there is no evidence for that. This idea is most likely based on antecedents of carnival and on pre-Christian rituals, like from the Celts. People back then already celebrated the awakening of nature in Spring. Dressed up as ghosts, goblins and ghouls people tried to cast out Winter and darkness. Surely, many carnival customs are rooted in a mixture of traditional rituals, pagan ceremonies and Christian customs; like the Funkenschlagen and costumes. In medieval times the church was critical of the sinful carnival and condemned it as devilish and foolish. In a way of protest, people dressed up like devils and fools.
Dates and Events
Who got in a carnival mood now but didn't get to celebrate this year get's a chance to catch up, thanks to the Old Fasnacht. In Lucerne, Altstätten and in Ticino (where they celebrate Rabadan) carnival season is over. Note the following dates, though, if you are interested in admiring impressive Larven, collecting Dääfeli, and getting carried away by some awesome Gugge music*:
Carnival in Basel
When: 11. to 13. March 2019
On Monday after Ash Wednesday begins with the last chime at exactly 04:00 am the Basler Carnival with the famous Morgenstraich. For 72 hours you can hear piccolos, drums and many other instruments throughout downtown Basel.
Basler Carnival is the biggest and most famous carnival in Switzerland. In 2017 it was included on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage due to its rich tradition and its unique character.
Züri-Carnival
When: 08. to 11. March 2019
The Züri-Carnival takes place along the Limmat with many traditions including a children's carnival.
Carnival in Bern
When: 07. to 09. March 2019
The carnival in Bern developed into one of the biggest carnival events in Switzerland. It starts with the Bärebefreiig, the wake and release of the bear trapped in the Käfigturm.
Carnival in Biel
When: 06. to 10. March 2019
Carnival in Biel offers the biggest children's parade through the picturesque old town. Afterwards is a children's ball.
*Explanations:
Larven = Masks (but always refer to them as "Larve") that all participants wear during carnival
Dääfeli = Sweets
Find more explanations and information on carnival in Basel on our Coopers Blog and at the Fasnachts Comité.
We are excited for you to share your carnival pictures and experiences with us!
The Coopers Team wishes you a wonderful Fasnacht 2019!
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