Say „Yes“ to Life.
Dear Auntie SAM: I have a question. I’m curious to know what you think of Fasnacht.
When I first arrived in Basel, I knew only my husband’s coworkers and their families. Most, like me, had read as much as they could about what it would be like living in Switzerland & among „The Swiss“. The topic of the upcoming Fasnacht led to discussions about it being regimented and closed off to foreigners; very unlike Mardi Gras, where any drunk girl in a tube top can jump onto a float & star in the parade.
Further discussion primarily focused on how they felt „perfection“ was expected of them at all times; that no one colorful or lively would ever be welcomed in Basel.
Then they all looked at me.
One woman even said something to me along the lines of, „Oh geez. You’re fat, weird, and tattooed! The Swiss are not going to like you one bit!“
..
My husband & I went to Morgestraich. But, for the rest, no one I knew wanted to go to Fasnacht with me. So, I went alone.
I was overwhelmed. What was happening & what did it mean?!? I was told every lantern depicted topics important that year. But, of course, I could not read what was written. Even the pictures made little sense. I’m an American. What did I know then about political and social tensions in Europe?
And, I couldn’t remember: was it a good or bad thing if the Waggis threw oranges, candy, or flowers at you? Did it matter how many they threw? Or was it the way? I didn’t – & still don’t – know (though, for the record, I prefer to be kindly handed flowers, Danke Merci).
Less than a month after I arrived, drowning in seas of räppli and people, I felt for a moment that maybe the expats were right. Maybe I didn’t belong. Maybe no one would like me in Basel.
So I stopped. And I performed this trick I do when I need to see clearly. I closed my eyes, took a very deep breath, and – right there in the street – stripped myself of all prejudices and understandings. I emptied my head and heart of everything I was told and knew. I stayed for some moments in a state of near nothingness. And then I let Fasnacht appear.
Colors. Shapes. Sounds. Even smells came before me. I felt the räppli fall upon me; as I moved, it swam around me.
I saw the care and attention to detail in each costume; every lantern. I saw the reverence from the crowd for the cliques who marched and played. I saw the sweetness in the children, who ran to give me candy. I saw joy, and history, and a cultural understanding that I knew I wouldn’t ever be part of — but, I also knew then that I wouldn’t be shunned.
For me Fasnacht is yes: the most beautiful three days of the year. It is magical. I look forward to it & plan my life around it. I’m there with you, all the way.
xo
AS
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This week, of course, I’ll be enjoying the festivities. I’m kicking things off THURSDAY at KASCHEMME with a dirty little honkey tonk called IZZY & THE CATASTROPHICS plus THE MUDDY RIVER YAYAS (aka DJ SONOFLONO & DJ TOM BEST). Tickets available for 15 SFr at Sääli & Elch Records; or at the door for 18. 8PM —- But, also, I have TWO FREE TICKETS to the first person who WRITES ME at auntiesampresents@gmail.com with a question I can use for this column. Don’t delay! Ask away 😉
&
During Fasnacht, check out the coolest ART GALLERY in Basel: PARZELLE 403. They are CELEBRATING Fasnacht right with MEHLSUPPE (YUM) and a LIVE SHOW each spectacular night:
Montag, 23.2.
ab 4h Morgestraich Mehlsuppe
ab 17h Fasnachtsbar & Mehlsuppe
ab 22h Flink, Kermit & Mr. Greg
Dienstag, 24.2.
ab 17h Fasnachtsbar & Mehlsuppe
ab 22h HFS Dub & Jallimann
Mittwoch, 25.2.
ab 17h Fasnachtsbar & Mehlsuppe
ab 21h Mista Sanchez & Irie Shottaz & T-Soja