Party like the Swiss at these Top Carnivals
by Shrutee K/DNS
When the
Christmas festivities are over and the January blues are behind, Switzerland
comes alive to celebrate their ‘Carnival’ or ‘Fasnacht’. Traditionally most
carnivals last up to Ash Wednesday with each town revelling in their own unique
traditions. With an orgy of colours, lights, music and parades, the only thing
you won’t be doing during a Fasnacht is sleep. If you are new to Switzerland
and haven’t joined in the festivities before – why not go along to a Fasnacht
celebration this year?
Basler Fasnacht, Basel
19th to 22nd February 2018
The Basel
Fasnacht is Switzerland’s biggest carnival that is held exactly at 4.00 AM on
the first Monday after Ash Wednesday. Over the next three days Basel’s streets
are filled with different festivities. The city lights in all of Basel shut
down, while the streets are filled with masked pipers and drummers who walk
through the city’s old town. Fasnacht music is performed by ‘Cliques’, groups
generally consisting of locals who march around Basel playing piccolos, drums
and other musical instruments.
Lucerne Fasnacht, Lucerne
8th to 13th February 2018
The Lucerne Fasnacht
is one of the liveliest and biggest event in Central Switzerland. The carnival
is the largest annual event held in the city of Lucerne where locals of the
town are seen on the streets with wild and wonderful masks, playing loud music
on trumpets, horns and drums. The celebration begins with the signal of a gun
shot from the Town Hall post which there is a parade of big bands, lights and
lanterns from Luzernerhof to Waldstatterstrasse. The partying continues until
midnight in the old town.
Zurich Fasnacht, Zurich
16th to 18th February 2018
Zurich is the
largest and most liveliest city in Switzerland. The Fasnacht hosted in this
city is an annual event and the hallmark of the local community. The highlight
of the carnival celebrations is the colourful and joyous parade that goes all
around town. About fifty traditional music groups including the famous
Guggenmusik lead the procession throughout the streets. With so much exuberant
activities around, this carnival can prove to be the just the right time to
land in this beautiful nation.
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