Lucerne Carnival 2024: What you need to know about the Lucerne tradition

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We all appreciate the Lucerne carnival as a great event every year. Even before Dirty Thursday, carnival hustle and bustle begins in the city of Lucerne. For many Lucerne residents, the Lucerne carnival, which culminates on Ash Wednesday, is the highlight of the year.

tradition lucerne carnival

Awake day and first day: The Lucerne carnival begins with the Big Bang at five o’clock on the morning of Dirty Thursday. Then everyone present says it again: “Brüelää” – against the evil winter spirits, against cold feet, against your own fatigue.

As always, Brother Fritschi, the imaginary head of the Saffron guild, the largest and oldest guild in Lucerne, first crosses the lake basin in a boat and is then taken by Fritschi’s father to the Fritschi fountain on Kapellplatz, where the Fötzeli rain is ignited.

In the afternoon the first major parade of the Guggen, guilds and carnival groups takes place: At 14:00 the famous Fritschi parade of the saffron guild passes through the city centre. Another highlight: On Dirty Thursday and Güdismontag, members of the Lozärner carnival committee are in Buobenmatt, under the glass pavilion where carnival people meet and the legendary Määrtsound sounds are heard. The sounds of Guuggen and the DJ create a joyful atmosphere.

Remaining program

After the Fritschi parade in Schmudo, the magnificent parade of the Wey guild takes place in Güdismontag. On Güdis Tuesday, the streets of Lucerne’s old town belong to the young carnival crowd.

Children trumpet and clatter past thousands of spectators at the Chendermonschter. In the evening, it’s the adults’ turn again: At the farewell parade, Fritschi and Fritschene, together with their families, wave to all the carnival crazy people at the beginning of the monster parade.

Lucerne Carnival 2024

8 February 2024, Dirty Thursday
Big Bang/Fritschi Day Vigil, 5 a.m.
Carnival parade, 13:45

12 February 2024, Güdismontag
Wey watch, 6 a.m.
Carnival parade, 13:45

Güdis Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Chendermonschter, 14.30
Monster parade, 7:30 p.m.

You should take this into consideration

• There is a general driving ban in the old city, except in certain areas.
• Open fires such as torches, candles, fireplaces and fireworks of any kind are prohibited.
• People with strollers and bicycles are strongly advised to stay away from areas with high visitor numbers during the Carnival.

Lucerne carnival: dictionary, traditions and customs

dictionary

When it comes to language, the people of central Switzerland go particularly wild when it comes to the names of their Guuggenmusigen. For example, they are called Rosswöschwyber (they come from Ruswil, where Rosswöschstrasse is located), Ringligüüsser (from Willisau with the famous Ringli) or Wegenegosler from Nebikon, through which the Wigger (river) flows.

Typical disguises

In Lucerne, too, carnival people make fun of public figures with masques (masks). Many Guuggenmusigen also choose a fantasy motto, which is subject to costume and face paint.

Food and drink

Traditional carnival pastries Fasnachtschüechli are called Chnöiblätze in Lucerne. These are especially popular during folk festival. The favorite drink of the carnival people is Kafi-Träsch (with stone fruit liqueur) or Kafi-Zwätschge. It starts up and heats up quickly.

To organise

The layout of the various Guuggenmusigen is traditionally structured, as older musicians are allowed to go further in the process. First those in the jubilee year, then by age.

Tips

The first major parade of the city of Lucerne takes place at Schmotzigen Donnschtig. It stretches from the Hofkirche over the pier to Neustadt. Another important event is the Monster Corso in Güdis on Tuesday evening. With this final parade of all Guuggenmusigen the carnival gradually comes to an end. Lent then begins on Ash Wednesday.

Subjects and costumes

The subjects and costumes of the people of Lucerne are generally slightly more conservative than those of the people of Basel. One or two political topics will probably be featured again this year, though. According to the Lucerne Carnival Committee, around 40 people in total are expected to participate in the parade.

Source : Blick