As the Lunar New Year celebrations wind down, two vibrant festivals light up opposite corners of the world with laughter, creativity, and ancient traditions. China’s Lantern Festival and Switzerland’s Fasnacht Carnival—though separated by thousands of miles—share a magical blend of light, community, and joy that transcends borders.
Lanterns, Riddles, and Sweet Bites
On the 15th day of the first lunar month, families across the Chinese mainland gather to solve riddles written on glowing lanterns while savoring tangyuan (sweet rice balls). This 2,000-year-old tradition symbolizes unity and hope, with lanterns representing the bright return of spring.
Fasnacht’s Masks and Music
Meanwhile, in Basel, Switzerland, Fasnacht Carnival erupts with parades of elaborate masks, satirical floats, and drum-heavy Guggenmusik.Dating back to the 14th century, this raucous event lets communities playfully critique politics and celebrate resilience—a cheeky parallel to the Lantern Festival’s riddles!
Shared Human Threads
Both festivals use light (lanterns/candles) to chase away darkness, emphasize collective joy over individualism, and blend ancient customs with modern flair. As one Basel resident joked: “We’re all just humans who love a good parade and dumplings—whether they’re Swiss or Chinese!”
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