Basel Carnival

The Basel Carnival (Fasnacht) is Switzerland’s largest traditional carnival, held every spring in Basel, where the city is transformed by masks, lanterns, music, and confetti.

Every spring, the city of Basel is enveloped in the dreamlike energy of Fasnacht. For exactly 72 hours, the medieval streets are filled with masked musicians, giant lanterns, and confetti, drawing over 200,000 visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a night owl, a tradition lover, or someone seeking a sensory feast of Swiss culture, Basel Carnival is an experience you’ll never forget.

Before dawn in March, all the city lights go out and thousands of hand-painted lanterns glow to life. The sound of piccolos and drums echoes through the narrow alleys, confetti crunches underfoot... For three days, Basel becomes a living work of art.

Morgestraich: The Magical 4 a.m. Start

Cortege Parades & Guggemusik

Lantern Exhibition & Schnitzelbank

Costumes and Decorations

Traditional Food & Drink

The history of Basel Carnival is ancient, with records dating back to the “Bloody Monday of Basel” in 1376. Originally a Catholic carnival held before Lent, it was celebrated with great fanfare. However, after the Reformation in the 16th century, when much of Switzerland became Protestant and many carnivals were banned, Basel’s festival survived in its own unique form.

What makes Basel Carnival unique is that it starts at 4 a.m. on the Monday after Ash Wednesday—a blend of Protestant tradition and Catholic heritage found nowhere else in Switzerland. The festival lasts exactly 72 hours, during which citizens use masks, lanterns, satire, and music to freely criticize society and politics, turning the city into a stage for creative expression.

Since the 19th century, new elements such as floats, Guggemusik (costumed brass bands), and Schnitzelbank (satirical songs) have been added, shaping the modern, artistic carnival we see today. In 2017, “Basel Fasnacht” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, becoming a symbol of civic pride, identity, and creativity.

For Basel residents, Fasnacht is a rite of passage, passed down through generations, and a time for community bonding and free expression. For visitors, it’s a rare chance to experience Swiss history, society, and satirical culture up close.

The feeling of standing in the dark at 4 a.m. for Morgestraich is unforgettable. The music, the lanterns—I felt like I was part of centuries of history.

• During Morgestraich, by law, all city center lights must be turned off.
• Confetti is sold only in single colors—mixed confetti is considered bad luck.
• It is the only Protestant carnival of its kind in the world.

The Basel Carnival starts at 4 a.m. on the Monday after Ash Wednesday every year. Immerse yourself in lanterns and music at midnight, and experience the magic of Switzerland’s greatest carnival.