Fasnacht is a traditional Swiss celebration marking the beginning of the Lenten season, held annually between February and March. Similar to Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it is brought to life with music, elaborate costumes and parades.
Celebrated in several cities throughout Switzerland, including Basel, Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne, each organizes several days of festivities. The most renowned is Basler Fasnacht, the largest and most famous carnival in Switzerland and the world’s main Protestant carnival. Basel is also the city from which André, Elsbeth, and Marcel Bollier emigrated, making this celebration especially meaningful to our family.
Basler Fasnacht begins precisely at 4:00 a.m. on the Monday after Ash Wednesday with Morgestraich (“morning prank”). At that moment, all lights in Basel’s Old Town are switched off, leaving only the glow of painted lanterns. As the procession begins, elaborately costumed Fasnächtler (participants) fill the streets with the rhythmic thunder of drums, piccolos, and traditional instruments, overtaking the city’s streets, squares, and restaurants.
Often referred to as die drey scheenschte Dääg (“the three most beautiful days”), the festival lasts 72 hours, ending Thursday morning at 4:00 a.m. It features masked cliques (crews), Guggenmusik bands, and Schnitzelbängg, satirical songs performed in Basel dialect. The atmosphere is dark, mysterious, and vibrant.
Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, Basler Fasnacht attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year. Members of the Bollier family have attended over generations and consider Fasnacht one of their most cherished and memorable traditions.
These specialties are traditionally enjoyed during Fasnacht and are often featured at André’s during the celebration (although availability during this time may vary, so please check our Specials + Events page for updates):
Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Cheese Pie (Ziebelewaie)
A traditional pie shell filled with caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese and a rich, savory custard, creating a savory, sweet, and nutty flavor profile. (Vegetarian)
Berliner
Small fried yeast cakes, filled with raspberry jam and dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar
Galette (King Cake)
A flat, round, sweet puff pastry cake filled with almond paste. It is typically served around January 6 to celebrate Epiphany (Three Kings' Day) and for Carnival.
