Canton Basel-City, Switzerland

The Carnival In The Canton Of Basel City In Switzerland

You will find the canton of Basel City in northern Switzerland bordering Germany and France to the north and Basel-Landschaft to the south. Because it measures little more than fourteen and one quarter square miles this makes Basel City the smallest canton in Switzerland.

Basel is uniquely situated in the triangle formed by the three countries Switzerland, Germany and France.  The city of Basel is known as a cultural, educational, economic and open metropolis.

The City of Basel is home to the biggest carnival in Switzerland.  It is a major cultural event and attracts really large crowds even though it begins as early as four o’clock in the morning.

The celebration starts on the Monday following Ash Wednesday when the ritual and revelry suddenly starts as hundreds of people emerge from their homes dressed in costumes. There are organized parades and street music depicted satirical comment about the previous year. 

Only after three days and nights of communal celebration does the carnival end. This carnival tradition dates back to medieval times.

picture source: © Cekora / pixelio.de

 

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