Orange You Glad It's Friday-Carnival in Basel

By: aromaproductions on 7:57 PM

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Carnival is known as Fastnacht in Basel, Switzerland. It is the time after fasting and it is accompanied by flutes, lively drums and brass bands similar to that which takes place New Orleans. It takes place after Ash Wednesday because Basel is a Protestant State.  It is a time to let your hair down like most people do during carnivals around the world.  Cliques parade in the streets wearing masks and exaggerated costumes.  It is also the time when Cliques produce leaflets with political satire based on scandals that happened during the past year.  People behind the masks remain anonymous and are allowed to play tricks, without impunity, on bystanders.  They dispense small presents like sweets (candy) , oranges and yellow flowers and often stuff or cover the unsuspecting from head to toe in confetti. The confetti might still be found one year later under your shoes or in your clothes.It is a celebration enjoyed by children and adults alike.  Children also parade in costumes and collect as many sweets (candies) and goodies as their bags can carry. This part of it reminds me a little of trick-o-treating during Halloween in the USA.