Many people think it could be dangerous, carrying and pulling tons of burning wood in large piles through a small city with crowds of people on both sides of the street. Some do not. You may lose some fear of fire during the carnival parade in Liestal, Switzerland and have fun with fire very close. It happens yearly since many years, at least if there is no pandemic, no heavy wind or heavy rain. So now again since the last full program happened in 2018. And again, nothing burned down unexpectedly.

Next event is approaching: Chienbäse Umzug, Liestal February 18, 2024 @ 19:15 21:15. If you like to join, it is close to Basel.

But prepare to stay in glowing ash while sparks are falling on your head and jacket. And it is crowded. But in case you like to be in the first row, just wait until the first big wagon is passing. All the newcomers in the first row push back to the walls and bring you to the front. It is not a question how close you risk approaching the fire. The fire approaches you and there is no way out. You experience half a ton of heavy burning wood passing just 23 feet from your body. It is hot. The parade lasts about an hour with 1015 big carriages and an endless number of smaller fires, called Chienbaese, carried by people.

Be aware you can’t sue anybody in case of burn holes in your jacket or even larger damages. It is your own risk to join, and you are warned ahead in French and German. Children below 6 are not allowed.

Sorry for some shaky pictures, due to the crowd I couldn’t use a tripod. And the camera was closer to the fire than in all other videos. No zoom in needed here.