Carnival organisers showing creativity and planning alternative events

A carnival without the public – that’s what the clubs are preparing for at the moment. There are similarities between the ideas of some municipalities that were previously thought impossible.

The 11^th of November – the official beginning of carnival (Fasnacht) – passed us by almost unnoticed. Only in hindsight did the Letzibuzäli guild, for example, who usually present their new prince on this date, report that a group of people had kicked off the 2021 carnival. Because carnival will take place – and the organisers of the various Zug carnival societies and carnival organizations agree on this. It was announced in mid-September that large events such as parades and mask balls will not be held, but there is still room for smaller events.

This is currently being worked on, planned and hoped for in the background.  A break is being made with previously inviolable traditions, and new ideas are being launched. Some examples from the Zug carnival clubs show the current state of planning for the activities, which will mainly focus on the carnival week from Schmutzigen Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday), 11^th February 2021, to Güdeldienstag (Shrove Tuesday), 16^th February 2021:

"We have started the approval procedures for the activities," says Richard Rüegg, guild master of the Letzibuzäli in Zug. One requirement, for example, is that events should not be openly published. "To avoid any crowds of people," he explains.

"Our goal is that we can carry out performances here and there in the city on Carnival Saturday, and spread something of the carnival atmosphere."

To do this, the organisers of the Chesslete (carnival opening event) are working together. A permit doesn’t guarantee security, however, as this could be withdrawn at any time up to shortly before the start of an event. The indications from the city administration are clear, however: "The local authorities will be happy if something can be officially organized, and if no ‘unregulated’ impromptu events take place," says Richard Rüegg. The situation is still tricky.

Health stands above the carnival fun
Things sound similar in Baar, where no new ‘Räbevater’ will be enthroned this year. "The Baar carnival associations are coming together to discuss possible ideas for a carnival in a specific form," says Reto Herger, President of the local carnival society (Fasnachtsgesellschaft). This is an extremely difficult undertaking in the circumstances. Local concerts by the Guggenmusic (carnival bands) could be heard throughout the municipality during the carnival weekend. "Or a smaller, regulated ‘Beizenfasnacht’ (carnival bands performing in restaurants) could take place. These ideas are still very much in limbo, however, in view of the current rules."

Crowds as seen here during last year's carnival parade through the village centre of Baar are out of the question for the coming carnival period.

It’s important that any impromptu alternatives are carried out in consultation with all the associations involved. "If a carnival is possible in a smaller, but fine setting under the corona restrictions, this should be a carnival of Baar for Baar," says Reto Herger. Inwil, with the Fröschenzunft (Frog guild) and Allenwinden with the ‘Faschall’ will, of course, be part of it. The idea of a "Solidarity Carnival Package" is also being examined in the municipality, explains Reto Herger. The aim of this is to support the financially disadvantaged clubs from Baar, Inwil and Allenwinden during this carnival. "However, one thing is clear despite all these issues and ambiguities," he said. "People's health comes above carnival fun. Any activities or alternatives will always take place in compliance with, and taking account of the applicable health measures."

"Covert Operations" and luck in misfortune
There has also already been an exchange of ideas between the various carnival societies in the Ägerital. "So that we have a consistent strategy," says Marin Rust, the new ‘Legoren Father’ from Oberägeri. But there is no concrete information yet. "We will re-assess the situation in January and then decide." The Legorenrat (carnival council) is also discussing possible "Covert Operations" (Nacht-und-Nebel-Aktionen) – or the benefits of making use of digital technologies, for example, in broadcasting the annual stage play. The situation is not easy from a financial aspect, as many carnival associations generate their income through balls and major events. Martin Rust adds: "We are trying to keep costs as low as possible. If we don't have a carnival parade, the expenditure is not that high." Asking for contributions on the doorsteps will not be dispensed with. This income goes to the Kinderbescherung’ (giving small gifts to children), which is also to be carried out in some form.

What will take place in Wylägeri  – the carnival in Unterägeri – on the carnival weekend will be decided in January, as Dominik Iten, responsible for communication at the local carnival society, tells us. He also emphasises that a close cooperation is being established with the carnival societies from Oberägeri, Morgarten and Alosen. "This is almost a historic event," he says with a wink. In this way, the difficult situation creates a breeding ground for collaborations that have never previously been imaginable.

In Walchwil, traditional events such as the Schiessvereinssamstag’ (Shooting Club Saturday SVS) or the ‘Füürwehrball’ (Fire Brigade Ball) have been cancelled. "The SVS may perhaps take place de-centrally: the ‘Rigler’ and the ‘Sechsermusik’ (locals bands) will make music in the village, and the carnival society and the ‘Hudivater’ (carnival head) will also move around the houses," says Patrick Willemsen, the president of the local carnival society. In addition, the children's carnival will take place in a way that has yet to be determined, and will be decided definitely in January. "We are lucky that we are not in the "Hudivater year", says Willemsen. The year can be bridged financially. Patrick Willemsen explains:

"The inhabitants of Walchwil always support us very generously. This is unlikely to change due to the corona pandemic."

Energy should not be invested in protection concepts
The Eichezunft guild in Hünenberg has shown itself to be innovative: a new episode of the "Fasnight Show" is to be published daily on the Internet from Dirty Thursday to Shrove Tuesday, A special episode is planned for 16 January, when the enthronement (Inthronisation) would have taken place. Late-night shows will serve as a model: "In addition to satirical elements, there is also room for background content regarding the carnival culture," says the first guild master, Michael Werder. The guild had decided not to expend any creative energy into protection concepts or into events "that could still be cancelled".

Rotkreuz and Cham carry out alternating carnival parades, and a pragmatic solution has now been chosen here: "We have agreed that Cham will carry out the next parade in 2022, and Rotkreuz in 2023," says Olivia Schuler, the head of the parades in Rotkreuz.