Basler Fasnacht
Switzerland's largest carnival. It opens at 4 a.m. with all city lights turned off, and drum and piccolo bands and lantern parades continue for a full 72 hours. It is listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Basel Fasnacht begins at 4 a.m. on the Monday after Ash Wednesday with the 'Morgestraich,' when the entire city turns off its lights. Thousands of drummers and piccolo players in masks walk through the old town carrying huge painted lanterns. Over the following three days there are grand parades, lantern exhibitions, street satirical songs and Guggenmusik. It ends at 4 a.m. on Thursday. The festival is known as the 'Three Most Beautiful Days,' and in 2017 it was listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Spectators should not wear masks, but may show support by wearing a Fasnacht badge. Hotels should be booked well in advance.
Opening hours
During Carnival (72 hours)
Nearby sights
- Basel Town Hall & Marktplatz
- Middle Bridge
- Natural History Museum Basel
- Museum der Kulturen Basel
- Basel Christmas Market
- Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
- Basel Minster
- Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche