The ‘Vogel Gryff’ is the most important event in Kleinbasel. It begins every year on 13th, 20th or 27th of January. The day starts with the raft descent of the ‘Wilder Mann’ (the Wild Man) on the Rhine. Drums on the raft play the Rhy Ab march (the descent of the Rhine) and the cannon is fired. The Leu (lion) and the Vogel Gryff welcome the Savage just after the Middle Bridge (Mittlere Brücke). The three heraldic figures of the three honour societies dance through the streets of Kleinbasel, accompanied by three drummers, three flag bearers and four ‘Ueli’. A large audience from the city and the surrounding area takes part in the event.
The mask wearers have learnt the complex dance steps from their predecessors and through rehearsals year after year; in fact, there are no written notes. This is not the case for the traditional drum marches, which are transmitted by scores and presented identically year after year. The four ‘Ueli’ collect money throughout the day. This money is used to finance the social commitment of the three honour societies to institutions, organisations and private individuals in Kleinbasel. The event ends late at night with the final dances of the three honorary badges, during which they pay tribute to their respective drums.
The Vogel Gryff is, along with the Basel carnival, the most important traditional event in Basel and its influence extends well beyond the city.
