Fasnacht (also known as carnival ) is a time of exuberance, merriment and exuberant joie de vivre. Epiphany marks the beginning of this time. Since the 19th century, however, carnival celebrations have also taken place in many areas on 11.11. at 11.11 a.m. and the start of the carnival season is already celebrated then.
The highlight of carnival is the actual "carnival week". It begins on Dirty Thursday and ends on Carnival Tuesday. Depending on the canton, parades, masked balls and carnival celebrations take place during this time.
Today's carnival customs are made up of various Christian, pagan and western customs and traditions. In some Swiss cantons, it is said that the sun is helped to free itself from winter demons by making a lot of noise. In other areas, masks are worn to drive away evil spirits.
The dates of the celebrations are also always slightly different. For example:
- Lucerne 7.2.15-12.2.15
- Basel 23.2.15-25.2.15
- Solothurn 12.2.15-17.2.15
- Bern 19.2.15-21.2.15
- Zurich 20.2.15-22.2.15
- Baden 12.2.15-17.2.15
Rabadan statt Fritschi
Wer die Fasnacht einmal nicht in Luzern, sondern im Tessin verbringen will, sollte am Schmutzigen Donnerstag nach Bellinzona reisen. Dann wird der Stadtschlüssel an König Rabadan übergeben, der bis am Dienstag regiert. Am Dienstag findet das Fest der Kostüme mit der grossen Risottata auf der Piazza del Sole seinen Abschluss.
Empfehlenswert sind auch die Chesslete in Solothurn oder die wilde Einsiedler Fasnacht, an der sogar der Teufel vor dem Kloster erscheint - zusammen mit den grässlichen Sühüdis.