Zug, 18.09.2020

Some carnival groups still in a state of shock

The organisers have now made their decisions regarding the implementation of the Zuger Fasnacht 2021. The solution is a compromise and an appeal to self-initiative.

What is the main reaction? - joy that a carnival will take place in Zug in 2021, or disappointment that the associated large-scale events such as parades and mask balls in the traditional context have been cancelled? This question arises after a press release by the Zuger Fasnächtler (Zug Carnival organisers). "It's hard to say. Some carnival guilds are still in a state of shock after hearing that all the parades will have to be cancelled. Others have accepted the special circumstances and are quickly planning their next move," replies Richard Rüegg, the guild master of the Zug Letzibuzäli.

There will also be no parade in Baar in 2021
He was present at the meeting of all the guilds, carnival societies and organisers on Wednesday evening, together with health director Martin Pfister, with the aim of determining the scope of what could be carried out in the “fifth season” 2021. The decision was as follows: Carnival yes, parades and the associated large events no. The latter because it would be unrealistic to implement the protective measures to combat the corona pandemic, as Richard Rüegg writes in the press release.

"We were, of course, initially looking for ways to carry out the parades. After all, they are a flagship of the carnival and are attractive to both the participants and the spectators," says Rüegg. It was considered for example, whether people from the municipality in which the parade was held could attend with their own chairs, in order to meet the seating requirement. As visitors normally arrive from other municipalities, and even from other cantons and would not be able to watch the parade seated, however, this proposal was rejected.

No cantonal concept will be applied
The carnival societies are now working out individual solutions for their own communities. A cantonal concept is not being considered. "For the simple reason that our communities are very different," explains Rüegg. This means: smaller communities host different, and less popular events than larger ones. The Letzibuzäli guild master explains: "By keeping open the possibility of finding solutions ourselves, we want to prevent the emergence of "wild carnivals" and the organisation of uncontrolled events on their own."

The colourful hustle and bustle shouldn’t be boring, however, if Rüegg's statement regarding the creativity of the proposals already put forward is to be believed. But the ideas are still in their infancy. There is also discussion regarding the setting up of smaller bars or beverage provision in the municipalities - always taking the protective measures into account, of course.

Many clubs will survive a weaker season
The decision to cancel the parades was taken at an early stage, as in other cantons. Could the financial losses from this be averted in good time? "Yes and no," Richard Rüegg explains, adding: "Some payments could certainly be avoided, but others not." As an example, he mentions that the Letzibuzäli guild had already had to order their carnival badges. But they were helped out by the fact that they didn’t include the year on the badge. However, the greater impact on finances is not likely to be the avoidance of early outlays, but the loss of revenue during the ‘fifth season’ itself. As Rüegg points out, many clubs will probably survive a weaker season, while "it could be tight for others."

In the end, however, the decision was taken so early not only for the sake of finances. Float builders can now be spared unnecessary work, and no new bosses, princes etc. will have to be elected if a carnival society decides not to hold any events next year.

For the time being, therefore, work is not be carried out on masks and costumes, but on the working out how to carry out any events that may be possible, despite the Corona situation.