Year-round Fasnacht

The best way to enjoy Fasnacht is live — at the Morgestreich or one of the parades, concerts or lantern displays. But if you don’t enjoy waking up before 4 am or standing outside in the cold, you can also experience it year-round at the Basler Fasnacht exhibition at the Museum of Cultures. In an annex of the museum, several historical rooms are dedicated to the origins and customs of Fasnacht, with displays of authentic costumes, masks, lanterns and musical instruments.

On 8 February, an enthusiastic group of Centrepoint members toured the Fasnacht exhibition rooms under the guidance of Rebekah Hoeks, who combined her detailed knowledge of the festival with entertaining stories and examples. The tour started with an introduction to some of the main Fasnacht figures, including the Tambourmajor (drum major), who leads the parade and sets the pace; the Harlequin, inspired by Italian comic theatre; the Alte Tante (old aunt), representing a high-society woman; and the Waggis, a mocking term for a French farmer.

Photo: Ingrid Sanford

An extensive collection of masks showed the development from simple face masks used at balls to the elaborate, heavy masks now used; another exhibit demonstrated the steps involved in creating a mask. A room dedicated to music explained the military origins of fife-and-drum music, as well as the newer Guggenmusik.

For many of the participants, the highlight of the exhibit was a replica of a Basel Fasnacht cellar, complete with models of a barmaid and a few drunken guests.

The exhibit is open year-round, from Thursday through Sunday, and can be viewed individually or on a tour. For more information, see

(Source and Further information: Museum der Kulturen, Fasnacht exhibition)

Text: Michelle Lauterbach