Basler Fasnacht-Carnival of Basel in Basel Switzerland

Overview:
Where:
When:
Getting There:
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Overview:

The Basler Fasnacht (also called "die drey scheenschte Dääg" – the 3 most beautiful days) is the largest carnival in Switzerland and one of the best festivals in Europe. Unlike other carnavals, you can’t just throw on a mask and join in the parade (only the people of Basel participate), but you can certainly watch the 18,000 costumed Fasnächtlers march around town.

The event kicks off with the Morgestraich. The town’s streetlights are turned off and the only source of light comes from the lanterns, of which there are 2 types – the Kobflaterne, a head-mounted lantern carried by each clique member, and the Zugslaterne, large, wheel-mounted lanterns pushed by a few people. When the "Forward, March!" command is given, instruments are picked up and the march begins.

Basler Fasnacht Cliques – credit: Mike from Zurich

Where:
Basel, Switzlerand. The main highlights are at the city center, so try and stick around there.

When:
The week after Ash Wednesday. The Fasnacht lasts for 3 days, starting at 4AM on Monday and continuing until 4AM on Thursday.

Getting There:

By Plane: Euro Airport, in France near the border of Switzerland, is the closest airport to Basel. By agreement, the airport is jointly operated by both France and Switzerland. Because of this, there are 3 airport codes – BSL (The Swiss code), MLH (The French code), and EAP (the international code). But fear not! Despite being in France, the aiport is only a 15 minute train-ride from the city of Basel.