The Basler Fasnacht starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at precisely 4:00 am with the so-called Morgestraich. The carnival lasts for exactly 72 hours and, therefore, ends on Thursday morning at 4:00 am. During this time the Fasnächtler (the participants) dominate the old town of central Basel, running free in the streets and restaurants. Basler Fasnacht is often referred to as die drey scheenschte Dääg ("the three most beautiful days").
Last night began my first Faschnat here in Basel, a long night of checking out all the different places celebrating (we now know places to head to on a weekend and others to avoid), dancing and having a few festive drinks. It was a great night, especially lovely to see the city so full of life, everyone happy and getting in the spirit, thousands of people pouring in just before 4am to mark the official start (usually most of the city is sound a sleep at a sensible 11pm;)).
Only 66 hours left...
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