Vogel Gryff

"Vogel Gryff"

is the name of the traditional festival organised by the three honourable Societies (Ehrengesellschaften) of Kleinbasel, which are called "zum Rebhaus", "zur Hären" and "zum Greifen". Its date alternates an a three-year cycle between 13, 20 and 27 January. On the day of the festival, the three heraldic figures "Vogel Gryff" (Griffin), "Wild Maa" (Wild Man) and "Leu" (Lion), accompanied by three drummers, three standard-bearers and four jesters, who collect money for the needy, parade through Kleinbasel, the part of the city that lies on the right-hand bank of the Rhine, performing their traditional dances along the way. In the Middle Ages, one of the responsibilities of the three honourable Societies was to guard the city walls. The annual weapons inspection ended with a march through Kleinbasel followed by a meal; since the 16th century the heraldic figures have also participated in the occasion. At first, each honourable Society held its own celebration, but since 1838 there has been a joint procession followed by the "Gryffemähli" or Griffin's Meal. The military tasks have long since been forgotten; what has survived is the joint procession, the "Gryffemähli" and the honourable Societies' influence in Kleinbasel. The three of them together support their part of Basel in many different ways and maintain the tradition of Vogel Gryff Day Each honourable Society has around 150 male members and each of them is run by a master and six senior members. In order to be admitted, applicants have to reside in Kleinbasel or - if they live elsewhere in the canton of Basel-Stadt - own a significant amount of real property there. They have to be 18 years of age, citizens of Basle, male and of good reputation. Vogel Gryff Day begins with the voyage of the Wild Man's raft down the River Rhine and ends late at night with the last dances of the three heraldic figures. Yet even after that magnificent finale, those present sit together for a long time, enjoying the unforgettable day...