“A wit once quipped that picking their nose was the closest some people came to penetrating the mysteries of the mind; the people of Basel, in contrast, cultivate Fasnacht...(Peter F. Kopp, historian)
I am amazed that you even took pictures back in 1959. I love the "Blaggedden." Amazing too that you kept yours all these years. The 1959 one is definitely better than the 2025 edition.
Good heavens Clyde -- this is a revelation! For me it recalls Philadelphia's bizarre Mummers Parade, which happens on New Year's Day, is somewhat lighter on social commentary and involves no lanterns at all (though similar quantities of alcohol, as well as an entire year's worth of preparation by the participants). You could come down here for the next one, but I think returning to Basel sounds like a more artistic experience.
Fassenachting!
I am amazed that you even took pictures back in 1959. I love the "Blaggedden." Amazing too that you kept yours all these years. The 1959 one is definitely better than the 2025 edition.
Wonderful post, full of information and links!
And much of what I remembered was refreshed by the information you shared with me--thank you!
I love this idea, but it's hard to mock someone who is himself a mockery... Would love to know how.
I think I'm stumped on that one for now as well.
Good heavens Clyde -- this is a revelation! For me it recalls Philadelphia's bizarre Mummers Parade, which happens on New Year's Day, is somewhat lighter on social commentary and involves no lanterns at all (though similar quantities of alcohol, as well as an entire year's worth of preparation by the participants). You could come down here for the next one, but I think returning to Basel sounds like a more artistic experience.
Hmmm, interested to hear of this Mummers Parade--new to me. Who knows, maybe New Year's 2025! I'll see what I can sleuth up about it, meanwhile.
Thank u for such an in depth report on this interesting event. U certainly have witnessed something unique!
writing this piece made me start researching lodgings in Basel, 2026 ...
So interesting, Clyde! The world has so many varieties of play, and subversion—
yes & I love the intersection of the two ...