BASEL - The cortège moved through the inner city on Tuesday with painted lanterns, piccolo sections and the Guggenmusik that tourists film and locals grade. Snow from overnight flurries turned to slush under boots. Onion pie stalls did not close.
Street cleaners waited for gaps rather than fighting the columns. Hotels kept breakfast open until late morning for guests who had not slept since Sunday. The federal vote was already a newspaper on a cafe table.
A city rule, not a festival permit
Fasnacht is written into Basel's year more firmly than most laws. The 4 a.m. start is the famous picture. Tuesday is when the verses land on people who are awake.