On the Barfüsserplatz, the sparks fly. Rail workers are in use. It is half past four o'clock. And that would be this Monday really Morgestraich, would be here around this time, hundreds of carnival of learning, and spectators. But it is not a Morgenstraich and the place is empty.

And yet, stirring, slowly something in the city. In pairs, in small groups, civilians get a taste of want in the streets – many of them Work, the respect, the carnival ban, but still curious and want to know are: there Are the brave and a sign for the Morgestraich set?

On the market square many people gathered for the "morning prank". Photo: Florian Bärtschiger

On the square, at the Spalenberg, and on the rümelin place, the crowd thickens. In front of the "lion of wrath" are a bit lost, a couple of Costumed of Europe. Not far away, has set up a group with two drummers and Pipers in dark costumes.

Schschscht-hush through the audience. The crowd falls silent. All listen to the Four-at-impact. But the darkness in the otherwise, flash lights, fire, remains. And the great eruptive Bang is nothing more than a hesitant soft cough. A couple of Piccolos sounded. From the needle mount in the back you can hear it, quiet drums. And on the front of the rümelin place a group sings the Morgestraich March.

With the breathing mask to the Morgestraich. Photo: Florian Bärtschiger

Of costumes, almost no trace. For a lot of people dressed the dark with a candle or a Light in the Hand. And instead of larvae do protective masks. So it looks like, when the Work of mourning wear.

The needle mountain is empty of people. The Imbergässlein also. The house with the number 31, and all must remain indoors; sad larvae look out of the Windows. And a sign warns passers-by: carnival fever-Quarantääne.

The Coronavirus runs through Basel. (Video: Tamedia)

With a bit of color penetrates the Virus-Train, the sadness; the bright tight-fitting suits, they over dance, while close to a Harst black plug lanterns with painted mourning mines still on the minds of the audience hovers.

But also there is. What is not seen at the carnival, a Schyssdräggziigli – now it is given him: loud round of applause, because it is, in spite of a behind him herfahre police cars to the drum and whistle ban revoked.

The police is there, the Work but provide. Photo: Florian Bärtschiger.

Yes, police car patrols Everywhere you appear – again and again, in front of the Hotel Basel, in the Freie Strasse to the Cathedral and market square. But you drive at a walking pace or stand still. The few pipers and drummers have nothing to fear. Also, the police Duo, the TV team has in the neck, strolling, more than that it controls.

at a quarter before Five, the porous crowds to solve already. Where to put? All of stains to. In "rabbit castle" will it be as dark as in the Hotel Basel and in the "Brew Mutz", where a young woman outside, sitting at a table and just a cheerful sparkling Sparkler is burning.

in Contrast, the marketplace has become a little bit of a neglected public cemetery. Beer cans lying around. On the fountain edge of the little candles like those flickering in Catholic churches.

RIP carnival: Active mourn because of the cancellation. Photo: Florian Bärtschiger

And on the wall of the town hall there is a wooden Kreuzlein with a Mouth guard, a wilted Mimosa and the inscription "RIP rejects carnival" – rest in peace. Together with the on a muffled drum beating grim Reaper, it is the icon of this small, kind of awkward Not-Morgestraichs.

Created: 02.03.2020, 08:22 PM