Basel Fasnacht

At four in the morning, the Morgestraich begins, and the cliques set off through the old town with their lanterns, pipers and drummers. Some of the lanterns are worn on the head, and they run on batteries or petrol. For the Fasnacht, that moment is the point: Basel's carnival starts in the dark.

The 2027 Fasnacht runs for 72 hours, from the Morgestraich at 4 am on Monday 15 February to early Thursday morning. The masked groups, the cliques, march and play through the streets, and the audience watches and follows. Cortege parades take place on the Monday and Wednesday afternoons, with cliques, floats and giveaways. Just before it, the Drummeli, a pre-Fasnacht event, runs at Messe Basel from the end of January to 6 February.

The rules for visitors are a little unusual. Spectators should not wear costumes or face paint, though children may. A Blaggedde, the festival badge, costs CHF 10 for copper, CHF 20 for silver and CHF 50 for gold, and it helps pay for the cliques. A badge reportedly means you get less confetti. Do not pick up or throw confetti, and do not throw the oranges and sweets from the floats back. Do not use a flash: it spoils the lantern effect and dazzles the participants.

How to go. The date follows Easter. Fasnacht starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, so in 2027 it is 15 February. For the Morgestraich, arrive around 3:15 or 3:30 and avoid the main squares: the smaller squares, side alleys and the Münsterplatz offer a better view. Book a table for dinner, especially on Monday, because free tables are rare. Kleinbasel was reported as quieter at night and is well connected by tram and bus. Basel has no campsite in the city.