Basel Feature

Dating from the Middle Ages, Fasnacht, Switzerland's best-known festival, draws people from all over the world. Beginning at 4 am on the Monday following Ash Wednesday, all lights are turned off and the city is illuminated by the lanterns of the Cliques (carnival associations). The event features a blast of fifes and drums, boisterous Guggemusik (played by enthusiastic, rather than talented, marching bands), and a covering of confetti. The streets are absolutely packed with zillions of onlookers who have fortified themselves against the cold morning with a bowl of the traditional Mehlsuppe (flour soup). A colorful masked procession traverses the Old Town until dawn, and continues for the next two days. Nearby Liestal stages its own spectacular ceremony, during which burning stacks of wood are paraded through the town and finally heaped together. Fasnacht celebrations take place every year approximately six weeks before Easter—check with the tourist board Web site for all the spectacular details.