Basel Fasnacht | Monday Afternoon Cortege

Post the Morgenstreich, we spent some more time in the alleyways around Marktplatz before heading to our hotel (Swissotel Le Plaza) to catch up on some sleep. A few hours of sleep and a hot bath later we were recharged and headed back to Marktplatz to watch the official afternoon procession - the Cortege.

The Cortege takes place on Monday and Wednesday afternoon and includes the participation of Cliques (groups of drummers and flutists), Gugge music bands, Chaisen (a carriage with costumed figures), Wagen (a wagon pulled by a vehicle and filled with candy, confetti and flowers) as well costumed individuals (Einzelmasken) who march alone.

Each year there is a chosen subject for the carnival. This year the subject of the Fasnacht was 'the post is getting off!'. It was meant to a pointer to the modernisation and changes taking place in the post office (system) in Switzerland particularly in Basel. The subject is also reflected in the Fasnacht badge which is sold all across the city. Proceeds from the sale of these badges are split amongst all the Cliques involved in the Fasnacht.

The Official Parade

The official parade (Cortege) began at 1:30 pm. The Fasnacht Committee decide on a set route every year and the carnival floats and members travel along these routes. Thousands of carnival participants in their colourful clothes marched through the streets to the sound of drums, piccolos and Gugge music. It was spectacular!

Confetti was thrown on the spectators. Many floats distributed oranges, flowers, candies and many other things to the people who had lined up to watch the parade. I managed to get a mix of everything - flowers, oranges, sweets and a generous shower of colourful confetti as well. It was fun.

Music!

I loved the music that filled the streets of Basel during the parade. We are back in the UK and I can still hear the music in my head, especially the Gugge band music which was awesome.

The streets were crowded in certain areas during the Fasnacht but the atmosphere was so friendly and civil. No drunken behaviour at all. Everyone just seemed to be having a good time and that is the best way to enjoy a carnival like this - just go with the flow, experiencing and absorbing the celebratory mood.

The procession lasted for around 2 hours after which it started to thin out. We spent a couple of hours wandering around the city's lively streets and alleyways before heading back to the hotel. We had to recharge ourselves before hitting the streets again for an evening of music!

Want more Switzerland stories? You might like to check out the Top things to do in the Olympic City of Lausanne.