Fasnacht, or Carnival as it’s known in other countries, is celebrated the week leading up to Ash Wednesday in the Catholic cantons in Switzerland. You will find parades, Balls, and parties scheduled in most villages, towns and cities. For those in protestant cantons, you need to be a little patient, Fasnacht celebrations start your way about 10 days after things wrap up here in central Switzerland.
Luzern is the “Queen of Fasnacht,” with the city throwing a 6-day party, while Basel Fasnacht (written about here by Claire), a protestant canton, is the King and celebrates later.
The one year I got a bit creative for our local Fasnacht parade, but everything was found around the house bar that cute Koala hat!
Here in Canton Zug parades take place in most villages throughout the weeks leading up to the main event, the 6 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. The highlight of the canton is the big parade through the centre of Zug which takes place on Schmutziger Donnerstag (or Dirty Thursday) usually starting at 2.30 pm. The main road closes and everyone comes out to enjoy the parade. Or if you are brave enough, join in the celebrations starting at 5 am!
You can find more information in English on the Chesslete Website.
For those of you new to the concept of Fasnacht, here are my top 6 survival tips to help make your Fasnacht experience a good one.
6 Fasnacht Survival Tips
Survival Tip Number 1 – Dress up (but not if you are in Basel!)
It is not just the kids that dress up for Fasnacht. Some of the adult costumes, even people who are just watching the parade, are amazing. Let your imagination run wild. For those of you who aren’t as adventurous (raising hand!) a colourful hat, funny wig or some face painting on your face will make you feel more like you belong.
Since it is winter, costumes that can be put over regular clothes and jackets are a must, as most of the festivities are outside. We have borrowed a dinosaur costume from friends, dressed up as a bumblebee and got creative from our own wardrobes. As soon as Christmas is over, the stores start to sell costumes, so this is a good time of year to also stock up on costumes. Maybe you can snap up a bargain for Halloween and be very prepared.
Good to know for Basel Fasnacht … Although dressing up is encouraged here in central Switzerland, it is actually discouraged in Basel, who strictly prefer just those in the parades to dress up.
Keeping warm is important. This cute Dinosaur costume did the job well.
Survival Tip Number 2 – Ear defenders
Fasnacht = Guggenmusic – loud brass bands that play fun music to bop along to. But they are loud! So for those kids with sensitive ears (all three of my kids), but really any young kid, make sure you bring some ear defenders along. Our favourites are these from Peltor. We have used these for Fasnacht, firework displays, a Wiggles concert (Australia kids band) where we got to sit up and close, and also for kids who find it hard to concentrate on their homework.
Survival Tip Number 3 – Good facepaint
The easiest way to get in the Fasnacht mood is to paint the kids’ (and yours, too) faces. However, invest in some good quality paint that will last. I have had a horrible experience with the cheap crayons thinking I would only use them for 1 day, so why invest inexpensive ones. They are frustrating to use and break easily. I have asked around my more experienced friends and they all suggest using the brand Snazaroo.
Survival Tip Number 4 – Bring a small bag for treats
The kids’ favourite part is probably the treats that are given out. Sweets, chocolates, bread rolls and even oranges are thrown into the crowd. Watch out that you don’t get hit in the head with an orange! We collect oranges and bring them home to juice or cut up and freeze them for smoothies.
Survival Tip Number 5 – Use public transport
The easiest way to get to and from Fasnacht celebrations is to walk (if you live near enough by) or to take the train or bus. Parking is difficult and the roads are usually closed so don’t miss out on the celebrations because you can’t find a parking space.
Survival Tip Number 6— Get out and enjoy
My last tip is to just get out there and just have fun. It is a great time to meet the locals and integrate.
Have any more tips to enjoy Fasnacht? I would love to hear from you below in the comments.
