Though the Swiss government has banned major events because of the coronavirus, several hundred people met in Basel on Monday morning to mark – and mourn – the cancelled carnival.
However, only a few of them wore costumes. Numerous people, many with candles, gathered at the market square. When the town hall bell rang at 4am, they cheered. Police marked their presence but did not intervene – even when a four-piece band marched past the police station.
Nevertheless, several groups met for a drink rather than marching with their flutes on Sunday evening. A few brought the lanterns that they would have presented on Monday morning.
To prevent such gatherings in nearby Liestal in Sissach, the authorities of canton Basel Country banned restaurants and bars there from serving drinks between Sunday at 7pm and Monday at 6am.
In normal years, Basel’s carnival attracts around 12,000 active participants as well as tens of thousands of spectators.
More
More
Hundreds gather for Basel carnival despite ban
This content was published on
Although major events are banned due to coronavirus, several hundred people met to mark – and mourn – the cancelled carnival.
Switzerland bans major public events to slow spread of virus
This content was published on
Switzerland has banned public events with more than 1,000 people until at least March 15 in response to the coronavirus threat.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
Ten laboratories in Switzerland can now carry out coronavirus tests, Health Minister Alain Berset announced on Wednesday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.