Fasnacht Day
March 4, Tuesday
Basel-City
When is it celebrated?
Fastnacht is observed in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. It usually takes place in February or early March. The main day of the carnival is Fastnachtsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday.
Main traditions
– Masked balls and parades with colorful costumes.
– Satirical performances mocking politics and social events.
– Throwing candies and sweets to the crowd.
– Singing carnival songs and performances by brass bands.
– Street parties with traditional music and dancing.
Where is it celebrated?
– Mainz – one of Germany’s largest carnivals, featuring spectacular parades.
– Cologne – the heart of the Rhineland Carnival, with centuries-old traditions.
– Basel (Switzerland) – famous for its unique Fastnacht with lantern parades.
– Swabian-Alemannic regions – traditional celebrations featuring wooden masks.
Traditional dishes
– Fastnachtskrapfen – jam-filled doughnuts, popular in Bavaria.
– Berliner – fluffy fried doughnuts, often with a filling.
– Onion tart and traditional meat dishes.
Fastnacht is not just a festival but a vibrant cultural event that brings together tradition, humor, and joy before the Lenten season.
Fasnacht Day in other years
- 2022 March 1, Tuesday
- 2023 February 21, Tuesday
- 2024 February 13, Tuesday
- 2026 February 17, Tuesday