Coopers World

Carnival in Basel 2025

The „drey scheenschte Dääg“

from Dr. Elena D’Cruz
05. March 2025

Three carnival participants with large, colorful masks, yellow hair and checkered costumes throw confetti into the air, typical of the Basel carnival.

The Carnival in Basel is one of the most traditional carnival celebrations in the world. For exactly 72 hours, from March 10 to 12, 2025, the city transforms into a colorful spectacle of music, art, and vibrant customs, recognized as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage.

As always, the Sujet-Fasnacht will address current social and political issues, particularly the controversial ones. At the same time, local events will take center stage. The Eurovision Song Contest is expected to be a dominant theme, followed by the 100th birthday of Jean Tinguely, one of Switzerland's most significant artists.

New this year: The Cortège route will now pass through Claragraben instead of Messeplatz due to construction work.

Morgestraich
When: March 10, 2025, 04:00 a.m.
Where: Martinskirchplatz (starting point), Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, Rümelinsplatz, Falknerstrasse, and Freie Strasse
The traditional start of carnival: The city lights go out, and thousands of artistically crafted lanterns illuminate the streets. Piccolo and drum groups create a unique atmosphere.

Cortège
When: March 10 & 12, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 PM
Where: Basel city center
Large parades with elaborately designed floats, masked Cliques, and Guggen musicians take over the city.
2025 brings a new route: Due to construction in Clarastrasse, the parade will not pass through Messeplatz but instead go via Claragraben to Wettsteinplatz. Additionally, Aeschenplatz will be part of the route in Grossbasel.

Guggen Concerts
When: March 11, 2025, from 6:30 p.m.
Where: Messeplatz (starting point), then marching via Clarastrasse to Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, and Claraplatz
The Gugge music bands create an electrifying atmosphere with their powerful performances on various stages throughout the city.

Laternen Exhibition
When: March 10 (evening) to March 12 (morning)
Where: Münsterplatz
On display are artistically designed lanterns that humorously and sharply comment on current local and global social and political issues.

Children's Carnival
When: March 11, 2025, from 2:30 p.m.
Where: Basel city center
With colorful costumes, music, small parades, and traditional Zeedel, Children’s Carnival is an unforgettable experience for both young participants and spectators.

Schnitzelbängg
When: March 10 to 12, 2025, from 7:30 p.m.
Where: Restaurants, theaters, Cliquenkeller, private homes
Satirical rhymes and illustrations take aim at current topics, delivering sharp wit and plenty of laughs.

Ändstraich
When: March 13, 2025, 04:00 a.m.
Where: Basel city center
The official end of Fasnacht: The final drumbeats and piccolo melodies gradually fade away.

Bummel Sundays
When: March 16, 23 & 30, 2025
Where: Basel city center
Even after Fasnacht, Basel stays in festive mode: On these Sundays, Cliques march through the city without costumes but with instruments, keeping the music alive.

Here is the official program and more information about Carnival in Basel. And here is a Carnival 101 with all relevant expressions.

The Fasnacht-badge (Blaggedde) is not just a highly sought-after collector’s item but also an essential contribution to the financing of the carnival in Basel. Since it is a non-commercial event, participants self-finance their involvement. The sale of Blaggedde plays a crucial role in making Fasnacht possible.

The badge can be purchased online or from street vendors along the parade route. You can chose between Bronze (CHF 10.00), Silver (CHF 20.00), Gold (CHF 50.00) and Bijou (exclusive collector’s edition, CHF 100.00).
Each purchase is a gesture of appreciation and solidarity. The 2025 Blaggedde motto, "Syg wie de wottsch," symbolizes diversity and individuality, inspired by the international spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest.

gThe Eurovision Song Contest 2025, taking place in Basel in May, introduces a new creative element to Fasnacht. Many cliques and sujets will incorporate ESC themes, promising a unique blend of tradition and international flair.