Basler Fasnacht: Switzerland's largest carnival begins with Morgestraich
On the Monday following Ash Wednesday at 4 a.m., the historic center of Basel is enveloped in silence as tens of thousands gather. The celebration of Basler Fasnacht, Switzerland's largest carnival, begins with the four chimes from St. Martin's Church, prompting mace-bearers to announce 'Morgestraich: vorwärts, marsch.' This event, recognized by UNESCO in 2017, takes place from February 19 to 21, referred to as the 'drey scheenschte Dääg.' The Cortège parade showcases elaborately decorated floats, Guggen bands, and carriages. On Tuesday evening, performances by Guggen bands occur in Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, and Claraplatz. The Museum der Kulturen Basel presents the history of Fasnacht, while exhibitions featuring Jeff Wall at Fondation Beyeler (until April 21) and Otto Piene at Museum Tinguely (until May 12) run concurrently.
Key facts
- Basler Fasnacht starts at 4 a.m. on the Monday after Ash Wednesday
- UNESCO recognized it as intangible cultural heritage in 2017
- The carnival runs from February 19 to 21 in 2024
- Hundreds of cliques march with painted lanterns on a yearly theme
- The Cortège parade takes place on Monday and Wednesday afternoons
- The Blaggedde badge is redesigned annually and supports cliques
- Guggen bands perform on Tuesday evening in three main squares
- Schnitzelbänkler perform satirical rhymes in restaurants and theaters
Entities
Artists
- Jeff Wall
- Otto Piene
- Jean Tinguely
- Erasmus of Rotterdam
- Herzog & de Meuron
- Mario Botta
Institutions
- UNESCO
- Museum der Kulturen Basel (MKB)
- Fondation Beyeler
- Museum Tinguely
- Artribune
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Münsterplatz
- Barfüsserplatz
- Marktplatz
- Claraplatz
- Riehen
- Vancouver
- Bad Laaspe
- Berlin