Carnival of Basel

The Carnival of Basel, or Basler Fasnacht, is Switzerland's largest carnival, held annually between February and March in the city of Basel. Recognized as one of Europe's top fifty local festivities, it was also added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017.

The carnival begins precisely at 4:00 am on the Monday following Ash Wednesday with an event called Morgestraich. For 72 hours, participants known as Fasnächtler traverse the streets in elaborate costumes and masks, keeping their identities concealed.

Fasnacht is a vibrant blend of costumes, parades (Cortège), satirical themes (Sujet), and a tradition of throwing confetti. Various groups, including Cliques, Gugge (brass bands), Schnitzelbank singers, floats, and Schyssdräggziigli, contribute to the festivities. Key events include the Morgestraich, Gugge concerts, Children and Family Fasnacht, and a lantern exhibition.

The entire event is meticulously organized by the Fasnachts-Comité, which coordinates the various groups and sells Fasnacht badges.

The history of the Basel Carnival dates back to the 16th century and is marked by unique traditions and customs rooted in its Protestant origins. Unlike other carnivals, it is distinguished by its timing. Memorable moments include the one-minute longer Fasnacht in 2002 and the heavy snowfall just before Morgestraich in 2006. Unfortunately, the carnival was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite challenges, the Carnival of Basel remains a significant cultural event, drawing thousands of participants and spectators each year.