Basel Carnival
Basel Carnival is held on March 10. A festival of color and tradition. This event in the first decade of the month March is annual. 
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The Basel Carnival is not only the biggest carnival in Switzerland, but also an important cultural event of international standing. Every year, Basel shines in a unique light during this three-day festival and attracts thousands of visitors.
Morgestraich: the magical start!
The highlight of the Basel Carnival is the Morgestraich, which begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at exactly 4:00 am. The city is completely darkened for this moment and the only source of light are the participants' artistically designed, hand-painted lanterns. The spectacular event is heralded by the sound of the bells of St. Martin's Church. The carnival revellers, dressed in traditional costumes and carrying lanterns, march through the streets and play typical carnival tunes to mark the start of the festival.
Cortège: the magnificent parades.
The big parades, known as Cortège, take place on the afternoons of Carnival Monday and Wednesday. Here, over 10,000 active carnival revellers present their themes in impressive formations, often satirically commenting on current or historical events. The parades are a visual and acoustic spectacle that immerse the streets of Basel in a sea of color and sound.
Lanterns and larvae: artistic forms of expression.
A special feature of the Basel carnival are the artistically designed lanterns and masks, also known as larvae. These often carry satirical or socio-political messages and are the result of years of craftsmanship. The lanterns are not only a source of light, but also an expression of the creative energy of the participants.
Drey scheenschte Dääg: the three most beautiful days!
Basel Fasnacht lasts exactly 72 hours and ends on Thursday morning at 4:00 am. During this time, Basel is transformed into a stage for the carnival revellers and is characterized by the festive atmosphere and lively activities. The people of Basel affectionately refer to this time as “drey scheenschte Dääg” (the three most beautiful days), and the festival attracts numerous visitors every year who want to experience the unique atmosphere and rich tradition.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site: Basel Fasnacht has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site since 2017. This recognition underlines the cultural significance and historical value of the festival, which is deeply rooted in the city's tradition.
Experience the Basel Fasnacht and immerse yourself in a festival full of traditions, creative forms of expression and unforgettable moments.
Similar holidays and events, festivals and interesting facts
Novartis Day on March 8
Saint Joseph's Day or Father's Day on March 19 (in Andorra, Angola, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Honduras, and Bolivia);
Poisson d'avril on April 1 (France, Switzerland, French Community of Belgium);
Näfelser Fahrt in Glarus, Switzerland on April 3 (The Battle of Näfels was fought on 9 April 1388 between Glarus with its allies the Old Swiss Confederation, and the Habsburgs. It was a decisive Glarner victory);
Easter in Western Christianity on April 20 (Første påskedag in Norway);
Sechseläuten in Zurich on April 21 (the third Monday in April);
International Sculpture Day on April 26 (Held on the last Saturday of April)