Herbst Markets

In Basel, Switzerland they have this thing called the Herbstmesse. It’s kind of a mix between a market and a fair because there are amusement park rides along with hundreds of stalls selling stuff, like how cool is that! It’s spread over six squares in Basel and has been going for over 500 years! It takes place over two weeks in autumn.

Here is a bit about the background story:

Basel found itself facing an economic crisis in 1449. An annual fair was planned, the aim being to kick-start the economy. As a Free City of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, Basel needed the blessing of the emperor to hold such a fair. Pope Pius II, kindly disposed towards Basel, was meant to send the German Emperor Friedrich III a letter of recommendation. Although this letter was written, it was lost in transit, which meant a new initiative was required, several decades later, this time on the part of Basel’s mayor, Hans von Bärenfels. His endeavours finally met with success, and Basel received a deed of authorization bearing the emperor’s seal on 11 July 1471. This deed guaranteed the city of Basel the right to hold a fair “for all time”. Basel made full use of its right from that time on, each year staging a lively, fun-filled fair, where merchants hawked their wares, people ate and drank to their hearts content, and jugglers and singers showed off their talents. Over the centuries, the attractions have developed. The fair’s iconic attraction – the Big Wheel at Münsterplatz – stood a proud 20-metres high in the 1970s. Today, it’s three times as high, at 60 metres. 

Mum and Dad said we were allowed to spend $10 each and also pick a couple of rides to go on. So I bought candy floss, magenbrot and a cool rainbow candle. My brothers and I went on this spooky ride that had skeletons falling on you, scary gorillas and flickering lights. On my way out I found a gap in the wall and it leads to the entrance so whenever someone walked past I would give them a huge fright and it was so funny watching their reactions. Overall it was a great day with a great atmosphere.