If you plan a visit to Basel, Switzerland, for the carnival (which never is called a carnival but always Fasnacht or, if you have a problem pronouncing the ch as in Loch, as Fasnet), you are well advised to make yourself familiar with the local customs. Blending in with the rest is part of the fun when attending this immersive pageant. As a bonus, you will be attending the largest concert in the world of drums and pipes.
Wear the Brooch
If you attend the carnival or part of it, wear the official brooch (called Plaquette) at all times well visible. The brooch is issued yearly and is the art work of a local artist. It is sold in three metal colors, bronze, silver, and gold. The money raised with these brooches goes towards the money spent by the participating groups in putting up the pageant. Only small children are excused from wearing them, teenagers and grown-ups will be relentlessly chased by Waggis (a certain form of costumed participant) and covered in of stuffed with confetti.
Always Give Way to Participants
As a non-participant, you always give way to participants if they are fully masked. This goes for individuals, but even much more so for groups. Expect to be shoved about a lot if you place yourself in a tight spot.
Do Not Paint Your Face
Participants wear full head masks and full costumes. As a visitor (and therefore non-participant) you should neither wear a costume without a mask nor paint your face. Only participants in German carnivals paint their faces and you’ll be immediately classified as a German if you do so in Basel. Again, small children are excused from this rule as they are allowed to do as they like.
Further reading
Museum City: Basel
The Village of St Silvester
And God Granted Their Wishes
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