The Tuesday
Tuesday Afternoon
The fun and mischief of Fasnacht begins long before darkness sets in. In the inner city the tram service is stopped from 1 pm onwards. Then 'Wagen’ and ‘Chaisen’ are permitted to carry children in the area between Spiegelgasse, Marktgasse, Marktplatz, Eisengasse and Blumenrain. And in Kleinbasel between Untere Rebgasse, Claraplatz, Greifengasse, Untere Rheingasse and Kasernenstrasse.
Children’s Fasnacht
Therefore also children take the main stage on Tuesday. Small children that are too young to be a member of the Cliques or the ‘Gugge Music’ groups are given the chance to experience Fasnacht. Many of them are of course accompanied by their parents. Often they can be seen wearing self made costumes and masks (‘Larven’). They also tend to give out candy and throw confetti (‘Räppli’) at unsuspecting passersby.
Small Groups (Schyyssdräggziigli)
Older childern who already play an instrument join in with their parents and friends on the Tuesday forming smaller groups (‘Schyssdräggziigli’) who play together. Those with younger siblings can often be seen pulling them behind the procession in a wagon.
Lantern Exhibition
Even in broad daylight the Lantern exhibition is particularly charming. The varieties of lantern’s provide a colorful ambience. In the quiet you can take in each lantern and are able to read the witty sayings and remarks written on the lanterns. The writing on the lanterns is written ‘Basler dialect’. Food and drink will also be provided on Münsterplatz.
Wagons and Props
The ‘Wagen’ and props that are used in Monday’s afternoon parade can be viewed from Monday evening until Wednesday morning in the area of Kaserne. ‘Gugge Music’ bands give open-air concerts. Along with these concerts other activities take place and and you will have the opportunity to eat and drink something.
Rhein Boat Rides
To get a more immersive experience of the city during Fasnacht, taking a Rhein boat to the other side of the river always provides a very authentic and atmospheric activity. From Münsterplatz you can comfortably reach the docking area of the Münster rides. These boat rides bring you directly to the Kleinbasel river bank which is where more of the Fasnacht activities and music is played.
