Every year, for almost 700 years, thousands of Basel residents gather at the town square on the freezing weather waiting for 04:00 o'clock. At this time 4 rings of the city clock announce the beginning of the carnival that lasts three days.
Basel Fasnacht lasts exactly three days from 4.00 a.m. on Monday morning to 4.00 a.m. on Thursday.
It is always held in the week after Ash Wednesday. Most of the carnival events take place in the city center. The carnival symbols the wish to expel the winter.
Due to the great demand and the numerous visitors during the festival's days, it is recommended to check hotel rates, which are often cheaper if you are booking a room well in advance.
The participants, who wear masks and colorful disguises, march in street parades accompanied by wind instruments playing orchestras (especially piccolos).
The colorful event with the good mood of its participants is a marvelous tourist attraction in the cold winter days.
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