For most November 11 is known as remembrance day, but for Luzerners and many other German speaking cities the 11.11.at 11.11 is precisely the beginning of Fasnacht season (also known as the fifth season).
In the past, a period of fasting began after 11 November and lasted until Christmas, just as Lent begins on Ash Wednesday until Easter. So, of course, there is a lot of partying beforehand.
Besides, the number eleven is a special number. It stands between ten and twelve, both of which have great symbolic significance. Ten symbolises the Ten Commandments, ten fingers and toes on the human body. It also represents the decimal system, and thus divine order.
Twelve, on the other hand, symbolises perfection. 12 zodiac signs, 12 gods on Mount Olympus, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus and so on. The number 11 is somehow in between. It is also the smallest number with a decimal place.
That is why the number 11 is appearing everywhere at carnival today. Carnival clubs usually also have an ‘Elferrat’ (eleven council), which leads the meetings. And of course, the meeting doesn’t start on the hour, but a whole foolish 11 minutes later.
In Lucerne, today is the day when the Guggimusig bands get together and start to decide on next year’s theme, costumes and rehearsals begin in earnest.
This year the LiLi Centre is thinking of having its own group, if you are interested in joining (either in the band) or as part of the crew, pelase feel free to contact us at info@lilicentre.ch
After all it’s only 113 days until the 5 a.m. start of the Luzerner Fasnacht (that’s February 27. 2025!)
