Preserving traditions through innovation.

The past should be not forgotten while we turn forward into the future. This is something that goes beyond preservation of cultures and ethics. It is not a matter of reinventing the fun but instead of remaining fun-focused. Traditions of fun may become innovation. There is so much to explore and bring back from the past. Traditions can be combined with technologies of the digital age. Traditions may be the key for better shaping our future, feeding our souls and the ones of others with pure genuine fun.

Looking for an example? I think I have the right one to share. Something like the renowned Oktoberfest, possibly better.

Basel Autumn Fair “invades” the city again. An over 540-year-old tradition.

Where. Canton of Basel-Stadt: one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland. It extends into German Baden-Wuttenberg and French Alsace. Basel city: the third most populous of Switzerland (behind Zurich and Geneva). It has joined the Swiss Confederacy in 1501. Seated on the Rhine River, Basel is one of the most dynamic economic regions of Switzerland. Surprisingly beautiful, sometimes underestimated, the city has an intriguing Old Town with tons of landmarks, modern architecture designed by renewed architects and an unquestionable breathtaking surrounding landscape.

The fair. The Basel Autumn Fair, the largest and oldest amusement fair in Switzerland, has taken place from October 29 to the November 13 2016. Two weeks, over 1 million visitors, magic and unusual atmosphere. The ride arsenal that has been put together this year by different travelling showmen, mainly from Switzerland but also from Germany, is impressive and attractive, as tradition wants. Extraordinary rides selection and food kiosks/trucks targets all ages and tastes, bringing together classics and latest novelties. What makes this traditional event a “must see” is in fact its unusual location and exhibits configuration. All rides and kiosks are spreaded in eight different settings of the city, almost “hidden” between the old historical buildings and even inside the city convention center (for recreating “the 80’s amusement corner”). The effect is absolutely amazing. Just by walking through the old town, you pass by small boutiques, antique books shops, tearooms, churches and suddenly reflections of colored lights and music drastically grab your attention, even if you are not passionate about rides. It is truly an “invasion of giants”: Starflyer and Freefall towers dominate the sky and the buildings roofs, the huge panoramic wheel Bellevue runs just few meters away from the edifices while the old school Swing Up (Apollo) runs wild in front of a church. Yes, it is a contrast, but it is a part of the city’s living heritage, charged with an incredible taste of tradition, happy faces and smiles. Despite its extension, the fair can be visited quite easily: thanks to a downloadable app very well conceived, rides, food, map of locations, public transport, time-schedule, events, are all available in just “one-click” on your mobile. Are you already thinking about planning one of your next 2017 fun weekends? Do it and look no further than “Basler Herbstmesse”. More info on https://www.basel.com/en.

A bit of history. On 11 July 1471, at the Imperial Diet in Regensburg, Emperor Friedrich III granted the Mayor of Basel, Hannsen von Berenfels, the right to hold the Basel Autumn fair ?in perpetuity?. It starts 14 days before St. Martin's day. The first day of the fair is traditionally the Saturday before the 30 of October. The Fair Bell of the Church of Saint Martin signals the opening of the Basel Autumn fair at exactly 12 o'clock.

Travelling showmen event crew. Amongst others, from Switzerland: Fam. Maier (Starflyer, Freefall Tower), Fam. Jolliet (Maxximum 2), Fam. Zanolla (Insider), Fam. Bauer (der Burner), Fam. Spengler (Crazy Run), Fam. L?uppi (Calypso), Fam. Ernst Rodel (Speed), Fam. Charles Senn-Hochuli (Swing Up), Fam Büttiker (X-Factory), Fam. Claude Reymond (Coco Bongo), Fam. Wetzel (Break Dance), Fam. Christian Ramsauer (Tagadà). Amongst others, from Germany: Fam. Oscar Bruch jr. (Riesenrad Bellevue, from Düsseldorf), FTE Ahrend (Drifting Coaster, from Hannover), Fam. Martin Blume (Daemonium, from Niedersachsen).

Have fun, always.

Bruno Lancetti