What is the purpose of Fasnacht?
What is the purpose of Fasnacht?
The tradition has varying oral origins: as an old Germanic sacrificial practice, a time to let loose before the penitential period of Lent, a festival to drive away demons, and a celebration marking the end of winter. Switzerland’s carnival season traditionally begins on Dirty Thursday, the Thursday before Lent.
What is unique about the Basler Fasnacht parade?
What makes it so impressive, according to UNESCO, is its unique blend of music, written and oral forms of expression, and artisanal outputs. And it’s not only local people who keep the tradition of the Carnival alive: every year, thousands of tourists come especially to Basel to be part of the festivities.
How long does Fastnacht last?
Following the Swiss timekeeping tradition, the Basel celebration lasts exactly 72 hours, ending precisely at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday. During the three days of festivities, the Fasnächtler (carnival participants) wear costumes and traditional masks.
What is Fastnacht Day?
Fasnacht Day occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday in the Western Church calendars. This day has many names such as: Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and of course, Fasnacht Day. No matter what you choose to call it, the purpose of this day is to indulge before Lent begins.
What is Fasnacht in Germany?
In some cities in Germany, large carnivals take place on the Thursday, (Fat Thursday) Monday (Shrove Monday or Rose Monday) and Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) before Ash Wednesday. They are known in southwest Germany as Fastnacht, as Fasching in Bavaria and Austria and as Karneval in the Rhineland.
Where is Fastnacht celebrated?
Thus, in Munich in Bavaria the Carnival season, there called Fasching, begins on the feast of the Epiphany (January 6), while in Cologne in the Rhineland it begins on November 11 at 11:11 am (11th month, day, hour, and minute).