Basel Carnival

The Basel Carnival, also known as Basler Fasnacht, is Switzerland's largest carnival and the most significant Protestant carnival in the world. It is recognized by UNESCO as an element of intangible cultural heritage. It starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4.00 am sharp – in total darkness. The popular “Morgestraich” then turns the city centre into a sea of illuminated, hand-painted lanterns, where thousands of costumed pipers and drummers accompany their lanterns and thus their theme with music through the streets – until the “Ändstraich” on Thursday morning, again at 4.00 am sharp. And you absolutely have to experience everything in between.

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