The Monday
Monday Night
Criss-crossing through the Alleyway
After the afternoon parade (‘Cortege’) the groups retire to dinner. In the evening the Cliques and ‘Gugge Music’ bands but also individual musicians take to the streets, alleyways and squares of the city.
Cliques
The big cliques stay together until an agreed time after which they separate. Those who have not had their fill of marching and performing form smaller groups and continue on. These smaller groups tend to bump into other groups (formed from the bigger cliques) who have had the same idea.
Gugge Music Groups
The ‘Gugge Music’ groups usually stay in formation until an agreed ending. It is less likely that new groups or pairings with other ‘Gugge Music’ bands are formed as the musical repertoires of each ‘Gugge Music’ troupe differ. In the evening the ‘Gugge Music’ bands take to around Claraplatz and some venture into restaurants to continue their entertainment.
Late into the Night
The boisterous and cheerful mischief of the evening goes on late into the night. As the night progresses visitors, the cliques and ‘Gugge Music’ groups are free to do what they like. Visitors are able to attach themselves to a clique or a ‘Gugge Music’ group and follow them on their procession. By doing this you will be able to discover the twists and turns of the streets and alleyways of the old city.
Schnitzelbänke
‘Schnitzelbänke’, also known as ‘Bangg’, can be found in the restaurants and clique’s hang out spots called ‘Cliquenkeller’. These groups perform short songs which usually are satirical in content. The lyrics focus on last year’s events and are sung by costumed singers and accompanied by cartoon drawings. Those who are lucky enough to find a spot in the crammed restaurants may experience a performance of a ‘Schnitzelbank’. These restaurants usually bear a plaque which acts as a marker for locals and outsiders letting them know that they are establishments in which ‘Schnitzelbänke’ perform.
Lanterns
After the afternoon parade has finished the Lanterns are left in Münsterplatz. A lantern display can be found there until Wednesday morning. It is a truly spectacular atmosphere and an even more beautiful sight to behold on the night where all the lanterns are illuminated.
Visitors
Cliques and the smaller formations can be found in the narrower streets of the old city (Andreasplatz, Augustinergasse, Heuberg and Rümmelinsplatz). The ‘Gugge Music’ bands are more often found in the bigger streets, such as Falknerstrasse, Freie Strasse, Schifflände and in Kleinbasel.
