On the Sunday night after Ash Wednesday a procession begins of people carrying burning bundles of pinewood chips (called Chienbäse, the Alemannic German for “pinewood besom”) through the medieval town center of Liestal, Switzerland, entering through the city gate from the south. In more recent decades the Chienbäse have been augmented with carts carrying bonfires, with flames often reaching as high as the houses. — Wikipedia

If you enjoyed the above photos, check out other fiery photos from this year’s Chienbäse festival.

Photos from lycienjantos, justanotherperspective, Nutrimotion, klaeui, and Toni Birrer.