Sasha Morgenthaler (1893–1975) was a Swiss artist and dollmaker who created dolls with natural, lifelike…
Larven – Fasnacht
Larven and Fasnacht – Switzerland’s Colourful Carnival Tradition
Step into the fascinating world of Swiss Fasnacht, a centuries-old carnival tradition filled with music, masks, costumes, and community spirit. At the heart of this celebration are the mysterious and often imaginative Larven — the traditional masks worn by Fasnacht participants.
What are Larven?
Larven are the handmade masks worn during Swiss Fasnacht celebrations. The word “Larve” comes from the Latin word larva, meaning mask or spirit. These unique masks transform the wearer into a completely different character, often representing mythical figures, animals, historical personalities, or imaginative creatures.
Traditionally carved from wood, painted by hand, or made using modern materials, each Larve tells a story. Many are designed with exaggerated features, expressive faces, and striking colours to create a sense of mystery and wonder.
When someone puts on a Larve, they temporarily leave behind their everyday identity and become part of the magical world of Fasnacht.
What is Fasnacht?
Fasnacht is Switzerland’s traditional carnival celebration, held in many towns and cities before the beginning of Lent. While every region has its own customs, Swiss Fasnacht is best known for its spectacular masks, elaborate costumes, lanterns, music, and parades.
One of the most famous celebrations takes place in Basel, where thousands of participants and visitors gather for several days of festivities. The streets come alive with Guggenmusik bands, colourful groups, and beautifully crafted Larven.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity
Fasnacht is much more than a festival — it is a time when communities come together to celebrate creativity, tradition, and humour. Groups spend months preparing their costumes, masks, music, and performances.
The tradition allows people to express themselves freely, often using satire and comedy to comment on events of the past year.
Sharing Fasnacht Traditions
During our Swiss Fasnacht celebration (11am and 1:30pm, 2 August 2026), visitors can experience some of the colourful customs that make this festival so unique.
Schnitzelbänke are a traditional part of Fasnacht, featuring humorous rhymes and verses that share stories, jokes, and playful observations about everyday life and local happenings.
To bring a little piece of Swiss tradition to New Zealand, during the fasnacht procession you may receive a mandarin or wattle branches. In Switzerland, flowers such as mimosa are traditionally shared during some Fasnacht celebrations. As mimosa is not commonly available in New Zealand, we are using locally available wattle branches to capture the same spirit of sharing, colour, and celebration.
It is a small reminder that traditions can travel across the world while still being celebrated in a way that connects with our local landscape.
DISCOVER MORE SWISS HERITAGE
Visit Willow Bank Heritage Village to explore our Swiss collection and learn about the traditions, crafts, and stories brought from Switzerland to New Zealand.
