Baseler Fastnachts

The lights of Basel switch off at 4 in the morning, we are crowded on the city streets nibbling gipfeli and shoggi-brot, watching a parade of huge glowing lanterns winding through the darkened streets. Bands of flutes and drums play a traditional program of songs, walking amidst the bobbing colorful floats. This is only the beginning of a three day festival. On Monday confetti, oranges, carrots, candy, and flowers are thrown into the masses of people. The art and painting on lanterns and floats are incredible. On the train ride home I am constantly emptying my shoes and pockets of confetti.