Thousands present their subjects at the Basel Carnival Cortège
Published: Monday, Feb 19th 2024, 14:10
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The Basel Carnival Cortège began on Monday afternoon in dry weather. The cliques, floats and Guggenmusik bands present their motifs in this large parade.
According to the Fasnacht committee, over 11,100 people in 430 units are taking part this year. The most popular theme is climate change. Other big hits are topics relating to artificial intelligence and fake news. Eleven regular clubs chose this theme.
For example, the Barbara Club uses a hacker as a prop to attack the carnival. The drumming and whistling Ueli are still spared, but the drum major has already been manipulated.
The death of cinemas and hotels in the city, the 150th anniversary of Basel Zoo with its new bird house, the takeover of Credit Suisse, the Barbie film and thought-provoking topics such as wars and conflicts around the world were also played out.
More children and young people
More children and young people are taking part this year. According to the committee, the number of active members of the "Young Guards" and "Binggis" has risen from 1767 to 1944 - almost 180 more than in the previous year.
After the Cortège, the carnival revellers parade through the streets to the sound of drums and piccolos or the "Schränzen" of the Guggenmusik bands. The Schnitzebänkler are out and about in the clique cellars and restaurants.
The Cortège enters its second round on Wednesday afternoon. Before that, however, the children's carnival and the free "Gässle" of the cliques, i.e. drumming and whistling without a predetermined route, will take place on Tuesday.
©Keystone/SDA
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