Skip to main content 👇
Basel Fasnacht - Morgenstreich

The online guide for Basel Fasnacht

The following pages offer information about the three extraordinary days of Basel Fasnacht. The information merely skims the surface in the description of the festival and of course cannot fully capture the atmosphere which is why a visit to Fasnacht is a must!

The highpoint of the year

The Basel Carnival lasts for the three days and begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday. For many ‘Baslers’ and for those who participate in costume during Fasnacht the three days are some of the nicest of the year and a definite highpoint.

Boisterous and Melancholic

The jovial, yet serious melancholic atmosphere makes Basel Fasnacht a truly unique occasion. Starting on the Monday with ‘Morgenstreich’, followed by ‘Gugge Music’ concerts on Tuesday and finishing on Wednesday with the ‘Endstreich’.

Basel Fasnacht - Masks

Fasnacht 2025

  • Monday 10th March
  • Tuesday 11th March
  • Wednesday 12th March
Book hotel now!
Magnets Ueli and Waggis

Shop

Visit our shop and buy magnets now. They remind you of fasnacht all year round.

To the shop
Basel Fasnacht - Traditional Costumes - Altfrank, Alti Dante (Old Aunt/maid), Blätzlibajass, Domino, Dummpeter, Harlequin, Pierrot, Ueli, Waggis

Basel Fasnacht traditional costumes

At the carnival in addition to so called ‘Zugkostüme’ classical costumes can also be seen. These traditional costumes have their roots partly in the Italian Commedia dell'arte, partly the origin is due to local circumstances. Nine of these figures are described under Traditional Costumes.

Continue

Glossary

On the one hand certain terms are explained in more detail here and on the other hand there are a number of expressions that are typical of 'Basel dialect'. For example, the Basle people use larve for the word mask and the parade is called cortège. You can find out more in the.

Continue

FAQ

When does what start? Where can I stay overnight? How do I get to the city centre? Where can I see Schnitzelbänke? Can I apply for a food stand? And much more you can find out in the.

Continue

Beginning of Fasnacht

  • 2026: 23rd February
  • 2027: 15th February
  • 2028: 6th March
  • 2029: 19th February
  • 2030: 11th March
Book hotel now!
Basel Fasnacht - The Big Procession

The Monday

Read everything about Morgenstreich, the Big Procession in the afternoon and more.

Continue
Basel Fasnacht - Children's Fasnacht

The Tuesday

Read everything about Children's Fasnacht, the ‘Gugge Music’ concerts and more.

Continue
Basel Fasnacht - Criss Crossing

The Wednesday

Read everything about the Big Procession, the last moves of Basel Fasnacht and the End.

Continue
baslerfasnacht.info