Fasnacht Festival

Fasnacht Festival

A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Costumes for Kids

From March 10 to 12, 2025, Basel comes alive with its vibrant Carnival, a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity. This three-day celebration unleashes Basel's creative spirit, transforming the city with its unique energy. As Switzerland's largest carnival, its extraordinary quality and distinctiveness have earned it a place on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Kid-Friendly Celebrations

For parents seeking family-friendly festivities, Fasnacht delivers in abundance. Specifically designed activities and parades cater to the youngest revelers, ensuring that children are not just spectators but active participants. Keep an eye out for the special day dedicated solely to the joy and exuberance of little ones.

Basel turned upside-down

Basel's Carnival, affectionately known as “Dame Fasnacht,” offers a distinctive celebration filled with unique musical instruments, creativity, and artistic performances. With biting humor and sharp wit, it reflects socio-political themes and current events in true Basel style. 

The festivities begin on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4:00 a.m. with the “Morgestraich,” when the city is plunged into darkness and illuminated by a sea of hand-painted lanterns. Thousands of costumed pipers and drummers parade through the streets, showcasing their themes until the “Ändstraich” on Thursday morning at 4:00 a.m. The magic lies in experiencing every moment of this extraordinary event.

Schedule and Highlights of the Basel Carnival

Morgestraich  

March 10, 2025, 4:00 a.m.

Basel’s Carnival begins at precisely 4:00 a.m. on the Monday after Ash Wednesday. At the fourth chime of St. Martin’s Church, the inner city is plunged into darkness. At the drum majors’ command, “Morgestraich: vorwärts, marsch!” the streets and alleys come alive with the haunting sounds of hundreds of piccolos and drums. Each clique* opens with the Morgestraich, a traditional and ancient marching tune played exclusively for this event. The only light in the blacked-out city comes from the glowing lanterns carried by the pipers and drummers, casting a magical glow on the faces of thousands of spectators from around the world who gather to witness this unforgettable moment.

Cortège

March 10 and 12, 2025, 1:30–6:00 p.m.

The grand street parade, known as the Cortège, takes place on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. During this lively event, approximately 10,000 costumed Carnival participants showcase their *sujets* (themes) in formations of varying sizes. Unlike the intimate Morgestraich, the Cortège is open to all Fasnacht groups and features:  

• Floats  

• Gugge : Brass bands performing music ranging from popular hits to pop and jazz, accompanied by percussion and rhythm instruments  

• Ainzelmasgge : Individual maskers  

• Large and small cliques : Groups participating in the Carnival  

• Groups of performers  

• Horse-drawn carriages (chaises)  

This vibrant display captures the creativity and spirit of Basel’s Carnival.

Lantern Exhibition  

March 10–12, 2025

Following Monday afternoon’s parade, the cliques proudly display their intricately crafted lanterns in Münsterplatz. These lanterns, which illustrate the *sujets* (themes), truly come to life after dark when they are illuminated for the first time since the Morgestraich.  

Lanterns vary widely in form and style—some bear the distinct touch of professional artists, while others are created by talented amateurs. In recent years, innovative materials and techniques have become more common, expanding the creative possibilities. What began as caricatures of notable Basel politicians and personalities has evolved over the decades into a captivating showcase of art history.

Kinderfasnacht  

March 11, 2025  

On Tuesday afternoon, the city center buzzes with the lively traditions of Kinderfasnacht. Small groups of “Binggis” (children), joined by parents and grandparents, parade through the streets in creative costumes, playing drums and other instruments. They hand out “Zeedel” (witty self-written leaflets), “Dääfeli” (sweets), and toss “Räppli” (confetti) to the crowd. Adults also embrace the festive spirit, celebrating freely in informal groups, wearing their favorite masks and costumes.

Guggenkonzert 

March 11, 2025  

On Tuesday evening, the Guggenmusik bands take over the town. Around 60 brass bands, armed with trumpets, trombones, tubas, and percussion, gather at Exhibition Square at 6:30 p.m. They parade through Clarastrasse to the city center and perform on stages at Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, and Claraplatz from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. Many bands also entertain crowds before and after the main event in restaurants and squares throughout Basel. This night is dedicated to Guggenmusik, with pipers and drummers stepping back to smaller alleys away from the bustling streets.

Schnitzelbanks 

March 10–12, 2025  

A highlight of Basel Fasnacht is the Schnitzelbanks—satirical rhyming songs that embody the essence of Carnival humor. Written and performed by Schnitzelbank singers, these cleverly crafted verses provide witty commentary on the past year’s political and social events, blending satire with a touch of playful malice. Performances take place in restaurants and theatres on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and on Tuesday evening in clique cellars and private homes. Each song is accompanied by a “Helgen,” an illustrated card hinting at the theme without revealing the punchline, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the performance.

Endstreich  

March 13, 2025  

As the three best days of the year come to a close, the "Endstreich" marks the official end of Carnival. On Wednesday night, the energy peaks, with participants fully immersing themselves in the final festivities. Just before 4 a.m. on Thursday, the cliques and Gugge groups gather at their usual meeting spots to play a final march or musical piece, signaling the end of the Carnival. Afterward, they bid farewell and eagerly await the next Fasnacht.

Traditional Carnival Costumes

During Basel's Fasnacht, a wide array of characters roam the streets. Some costumes, known as “Goschdym,” are inspired by Italy’s Commedia dell’Arte, while others reflect local events and traditions.

According to the unwritten rules of Fasnacht, participants conceal their true identities with a “Masgge” (full-body mask). The headpiece, called a “Larve,” is often intricately handcrafted and remains a traditional art form to this day.

Many groups still design and create their own costumes and head-masks. There are three main types of costumes:  

• Parade costumes

• Classical costumes  

• Individual fantasy costumes

Fasnacht Through a Child's Eyes & Safety Tips

Experience Fasnacht through the wide-eyed wonder of children, however while in crowded parades to bustling squares, ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.  Help your children know what to do in case they lose you within the crowd, here are some tips from other parents:

• Identify a visible meeting point and share it with your children.  In case of losing each-other in the crowd, you all know one place where you can meet.  

• Write your phone number on a piece of paper for your children to carry in their pocket or a small bag.

• It always helped me to dress my children identically when they were little so that they are easier to spot among of crowd of various costumes.  

• Advise them that if they get lost they can ask help from a mom and dad with their kids.  

As the confetti settles and the echoes of celebration linger, Fasnacht leaves children with more than just memories – it crafts lasting impressions of joy, creativity, and community.

Basel's Fasnacht festival is not merely an event but a tapestry of experiences that families weave together, creating cherished moments that endure beyond the carnival's finale. 

Find the detailed program here!