Herbstmesse - 540yr Old Festival

We arrived in Basel at the perfect time! It's the Herbstmesse, meaning "Autumn Festival". I obviously had no idea what this meant until we got here nor how special this time of year is, so let me explain. Basically, it's a carnival that is spread throughout the city and intertwined in all the major squares. The festival is the largest and oldest in Switzerland with a 540+ year history. The city continues to make it bigger and better each year as there is a "competition" of sorts among the different countries as to who has the best festivities. Apparently, it's a time of year that little kids and big kids wait for all year long. After visiting a couple spots, I can see why! Rides, carnival games and food treats galore! 

Picture(s) speak a thousand words...

Stop 1) Messeplatz = Festival Squate : the largest of the fair venues

Chinese food?! :)

My 1st (of many) cheese stops! Melted delicious cheese with spices on toast. What more do you need?!?

Look who's manning this carnival game!

Just hanging out with the other local wildlife. (Obviously, we visited this stop on Halloween since there isn't much trick or treating in Basel we made our own adventure this year). He loved checking out everything!

Stop 2) Barfüsserplatz = ?? : this was more of just a drive by but definitely at the city center!

Stop 2.5) Claraplatz ... We didn't actually visit here but you can see a ride from across the river 

Lesley, Big Zipper in Basel?!?! ;)

Stop 3) Münsterplatz = Cathedral Square : my favorite spot with the Ferris Wheel

Great view on the walk up of both the Ferris Wheel & the Cathedral

Denise purchased some "magenbrot" for us. A Basel confectionery treat of spiced sweet bread local to Basel and only available this time of year. (There are different varieties of magenbrot but supposedly this type was unique to Basel alone)

Phew! While we may be too little for the rides, we are exhausted from all the fun!

Here's a link to learn a little more about the festival & a little video!
http://www.basel.ch/en/Portrait/Veranstaltungen/Basler-Messen-und-Maerkte/Basler_Herbstmesse.html

This is the last weekend of the Herbstmesse. I'll be sad when it's gone and the Ferris wheel is no longer a part of the skyline. Until next fall! :)