Lifting the Mask: Your Guide to Basel Fasnacht

By Peter Habicht

Book Overview

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a life-long enthusiast, here's all you need to know (and more) about Schnizelbangg and Schyssdraggzyygli and all the other fascinating aspects of Basel's famous carnival. The author, Peter Habicht, is a historian in Basel who enjoys giving lively, carefully researched tours of the town closest to his heart. Basel's Fasnacht may be impossible to describe, but Peter Habicht's tour in these pages is the next best thing to spending these three special days in Basel. Fredy Prack is a graphic designer and one of the most valued artists for Fasnacht lanterns, well-known for conveying the themes, humor and heart of the Basler (and Schnitzelbanggler) into visual form.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 390525204X
• ISBN13: 9783905252040
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: Helvetiq
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.8" x 7.3"
• Age Range: 20 years and up

Customer Reviews

Lifting the Mask: Your Guide to Basel Fasnacht

Turning a Jersey Girl into a Swiss Miss has not been an easy task. Our family relocated from Amercia to Basel, Switzerland this past July (2005). Although Switzerland is breathtaking, and the traveling opportunities are endless, adjusting to a new culture has been a little difficult and frustrating at times. We are looking forward to our first experience of Fasnact this March. Coming across this book was a blessing, especially since we found a copy in English. The book offers an honest perspective of what/what not to expect while attending this decoratively masked 3-day festival. As soon as the festivities end, preparations for the following year begins. While in attendance, if you do not purchase a Fasnacht pin (proceeds help with the Fasnacht costs) and wear it upside down on your coat lapel, strange things can happen to you during this event. The book reveals that Fasnacht participants look for pinless spectators to either throw oranges at them, or empty bags of confetti down their coats. Just knowing the pin suggestion alone, saved us from embarrassment and from being very uncomfortable watching this event. The book offers a Swiss perspective of the fun and tribulations of Fasnacht, plus offers some delicious Fasnacht recipes. It's a great little book whether you plan on attending the event or not. Perhaps, after attending my first Fasnacht, I'll write a book with an American perspective. Purchase the book, it's fun reading!