Switzerland is experiencing carnival fever in February
A carnival in Switzerland allows the normally well-behaved Swiss to enjoy themselves and become wild if they choose. Switzerland is experiencing carnival fever in February.
A time of chaos and merriment, the carnival season, also known as Fasnacht, is a time for fun. Furthermore, it was used to celebrate the end of winter and drive away demons and was a sacrificial practice in German history.
Carnival season in Switzerland begins on Dirty Thursday, the Thursday before Lent. Carnival season can last until May in some cities, however. Lent also occurs 40 days before Easter, so the dates change yearly. This year, the Swiss carnivals will peak the week before Ash Wednesday, March 2, and the week after.
In many Swiss cities, Fasnacht is a significant event. Just as Rio has its samba tradition, various Swiss cities have Fasnacht customs worn with enthusiasm. Carnival fever in February
Fasnacht refers to the night before fasting as a medieval Christian practice. Before Easter, it was a wild celebration presumed to end by Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40-day fast, in which meat, alcohol, and festivities were not allowed. However, people were undoubtedly serious about their partying when they had that prospect before them. In addition to scaring away winter, the custom also makes way for spring.
Fasnacht was a time when everything was on its head, authorities could be mocked without fear of repercussion, and parody and satire were everywhere. The tradition of poking fun at the power still exists in some places around Switzerland today.
The perfect example of this carnival madness is the one happening in Lucerne every year.
16th -21st February – The Lucerne Carnival
Switzerland’s liveliest and loudest carnival is held in Lucerne.
In preparation for this carnival celebration, numerous Fasnacht associations, guilds, or brass bands (guggemusig) prepare their music routines throughout the year. The “grende” masks, which they call arty, are particularly beloved. When you see these masks, you will realize how much work and time Lucerne put into them. Festival celebrations transform the city into a festival city as music, decorations, and crowds of revellers participate.
There are a few days when Lucerne goes wild. With trumpets, horns, and drums, hundreds of people in fantastic masks perform horrendously loud music.
Lucerne residents, normally self-controlled, turn the city into a centre of joy and happiness if you visit. Lucerne residents, normally self-controlled, turn the town into a centre of joy and happiness if you visit. Carnival fever in February
It all lasts from February 16, 2023 – Monday, February 21, 20223
A shotgun marks the start of the fiesta on Dirty Thursday (Schmutziger Donnerstag) at 5 am, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Honourable citizens observe the city square from the windows of the city hall and signal the start of the fiesta with a shotgun.
The Luzernerhof parade begins at 1:45 pm with brass bands and loud drums. Due to the colourful costumes and loud music, this is the first crazy parade. The sound of drums and trumpets fills the air in the city streets after the formal procession.
After a short rest following the carnival, the city wakes up to a loud, colourful parade at noon on Fat Monday, which begins in the old town. The music continues until midnight.
On Güdis Monday, the final parade (the Wey) takes place. The event begins at 1:45 pm at the Luzernerhof.
On Güdis Tuesday, the giant Monstercorso parade takes place. The event begins at 7.30 pm in Bahnhofstrasse.
Lucerne in Switzerland is one of many places to celebrate Carnival. We’ll keep you posted about other exciting carnivals and events to attend during February, so stay tuned.
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Photo by Diego Romeo on Unsplash
