Ever since I moved to Switzerland, the Basler Fasnacht has been one of my favorite things about the city that I now call home. And if I’m being honest, the best month to escape out of Switzerland (especially if you’re a non-skier like me) is February, also the time when the children are on a break for 2 weeks. But I stay back, I stay back to attend the three-day extravaganza that unites the entire city in a vibrant celebration. Despite the grayness that February is characterized by, the colored confetti blasts transform the city to technicolor, and that too, almost instantly.
This year was a bit of a bummer personally, cuz, my little (who’s not so little anymore) fell quite sick and we couldn’t scream “Waaggeeeees” and collect ridiculous candy which eventually fills your fridge and then miraculously enters the trash 😉
I attended 2 days, one with my husband where we enjoyed the parade with a bird’s eye view from Café Schiesser (another must on my Basel to-do list). The other one was with my daughter where I tried to cheer her up… 😊
Another reason to attend the festivities this year was because of one of our family friends (Douglas Drake) participated in the carnival and immersed himself in the spirit of Fasnacht. Once the festivities ended and our families got together for dinner, I asked him about his experience and was fascinated to hear about it. Read on, this one is an insider’s view of the most wonderful time in the city of Basel.
For the uninitiated, the Basler Fasnacht is often called die drey scheenschte Dääg (“the three most beautiful days”).
Basel Fasnacht, a burst of color and anonymity with masks, lanterns, and lively cliques, marks the grand finale of spring celebrations in Germany, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. Lasting 72 hours from Monday after Ash Wednesday, the festival features marches, concerts, and confetti-covered activities. Despite turning much of Basel’s old town ankle-deep in confetti, the city swiftly reverts to its tidy state within hours post-Fasnacht. Among Europe’s largest festivals, Basel Fasnacht promises a uniquely immersive experience.
Q: Can you tell us about your musical background and how it led you to your current involvement with Gugge bands?
Doug: I grew up playing trombone in the US, participating in various marching bands and concert music during high school. After college, I moved to Germany on scholarship and, unfortunately, had to sell my favorite trombone due to the challenges of carrying it around. However, I always kept my trombone mouthpieces. When I moved to Switzerland and experienced Fasnacht, the lively Gugge bands reignited my musical memories. That’s when I decided to buy a new trombone and join a Gugge band.
Q: What intrigued you about Gugge bands specifically, and how did you go about finding the right group to join?
Doug: Witnessing the vibrant Fasnacht celebrations in Switzerland, especially the Gugge bands with their festive atmosphere, brought back nostalgic feelings. The versatility of the trombone, capable of mimicking various sounds, motivated me to get back into playing. I then explored the diverse world of Gugge bands in Basel, where there are over 70 different cliques. Each clique has its unique theme, from bagpipe groups to those dressed as rock stars or historical figures.
Q: Can you share your journey of joining a Gugge band and how you found the right fit for yourself?
Doug: After Fasnacht, there are three “Bummel” Sundays where Gugge bands stroll around Basel, essentially recruiting new members. I approached several groups but eventually found a smaller one that seemed to need trombone support. They invited me to their kickoff meeting in May, and from there, I started attending their weekly practices in their Keller (basement).
Q: What is the significance of Fasnacht in Basel, and how does it tie into the traditions of Gugge bands?
Doug: Fasnacht in Basel is a unique blend of Pagan Spring celebrations and Catholic pre-Lent Carnival, despite Basel being Protestant for over 600 years. It serves as a time for parody, social and political commentary, and a symbolic clearing of old grievances. Gugge bands play a central role in this, providing the exaggerated, loud, and brash entertainment that characterizes Fasnacht. It’s a time for jesters to question through humor, breaking away from the precision of drum and fife bands, symbolizing the unruly and diverse nature of the celebration.
Q: What has been your experience as a member of LäGGerli-HaGGer, and how do you perceive your role within the group?
Doug: I am proud to be part of LäGGerli-HaGGer, a Gugge band that has accepted me despite my status as an outsider. I’ve often found myself on the edge, not central to any group, a bit of a misfit with a global perspective. In Gugge, this role aligns with the tradition of being exaggerated, loud, and mismatched, akin to court jesters, offering a unique perspective through jest and playfulness. It’s been a commitment, but the fun and camaraderie make it worthwhile.
Meet Douglas Drake—a citizen of the world with a US passport, a Colombian wife, and two daughters. Having called Switzerland home longer than anywhere else, the Drake family embraces a blend of cultures and languages, speaking English, German, and Spanish. They love exploring different parts of the world, but their hearts find joy in Basel, situated on the crossroads of France and Germany, right in the heart of Europe.
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