How they melt away winter at Liestal's Chienbäse Festival

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Chienbäse Festival in Liestal, Switzerland

One of Switzerland's most unique festivals, Chienbäse is a joyous celebration of fire and warmth. It takes place annually in Liestal, the capital of Basel-Landschaft.

Coinciding with Fasnacht, the traditional northern Swiss Carnival, the Chienbäse Festival takes place on one evening between the end of February and the beginning of March. The fire parade between 7:15 and 10 PM is also a great way for festival-goers to warm up for Basel-Stadt's Morgestraich.

About the history of the Chienbäse Festival

Although it may appear enchantingly medieval, the Chienbäse fire parade was first celebrated in 1902. It all started with a small torch-lit procession inspired by the much older regional practice of lighting bonfires to signal the end of winter.

The festival's current form owes its creation to Eugen Stutz, one of Liestal's master bakers. In 1924, he decided to recreate what he envisioned as an "old" style of the parade. This involved using the sap-laden wood typically preferred by bakers (Chien) to construct large "brooms" (Bäse), which were then marched down through the town.

How to best enjoy Chienbäse in Liestal, Switzerland

A highlight of Chienbäse is the procession under the Törli, Liestal's famous medieval clock tower. It is quite a sight to watch the firemen hosing down this 700-year-old building while the flames from the brooms and fire wagons lick up and down the painted facade as they pass through the tower gate.

Chienbäse is a fantastic event for those wishing to experience a piece of culture that is unique in Switzerland. It is also a great event for families.

But watch out: it can get very hot!