Fasnacht

Dating from the Middle Ages, Fasnacht, Switzerland's best-known festival, draws people from all over the world. Beginning at 4 am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, all lights are turned off and the city is illuminated by the lanterns of the Cliques (carnival associations). The early-morning event features a blast of fifes and drums, joined later in the day by boisterous Guggemusik (played by enthusiastic, rather than talented, marching bands). The streets are packed with zillions of onlookers who have fortified themselves against the cold nights with a bowl of the traditional Mehlsuppe (flour soup). Each day features a different candy-and-confetti-strewn parade as well as nighttime revelry, which, despite the amount of beer and Glühwein (mulled wine) that is consumed, remains tame enough for tourists.