Every year the citizens of Basel in Switzerland celebrate the start of Lent with a three day carnival known as Fasnacht. Groups of citizens form cliques who each prepare a large painted lantern and these form the centre piece of the event.
Fasnacht starts with a torchlight parade of these lanterns at 4.00am (on the dot, this is Switzerland) on Monday morning, an event known as Morgenstreich. Each clique parades its lantern, accompanied by a band of drums and piccolos, through the city centre and this kicks of a series of processions and concerts held until Fasnacht closes at 4.00 am on the dot on Thursday morning.
The lanterns are all painted with allegorical themes, often mocking politicians or celebrities, though some have a more serious political message. The cliques dress in fancy dress with costumes ranging from the traditional jesters to ever more bizarre and sometimes grotesque costumes and bands of musicians wander the streets of Basel for the next three days playing music to entertain the crowds.
Waggis (a caricature of the Swiss peasant) also parade and are on hand to throw sweets or oranges to the crowds of spectators as well as literally tonnes of confetti.
The carnival is a good natured, jovial affair and is thoroughly enjoyed by all those who participate be they musicians, waggis or spectators and was certainly an unforgettable experience.
