The Local Switzerland

Basel's amazing Fasnacht: How to survive Switzerland’s biggest carnival

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:11:36 +0100

Switzerland's most famous Fasnacht (carnival) is in full swing. Here's how to make the most of it.

Swiss police to investigate KKK carnival costumes

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 18:47:49 +0100

Swiss police are investigating after a video emerged of people wearing hooded costumes resembling those worn by the white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan during carnival celebrations earlier this week.

The best places to enjoy Carnival in Switzerland in 2019

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 21:40:11 +0100

Carnival time is upon us already. With festivities already kicking off around the country, we take a look at the top locations to let your hair down Swiss-style over the coming weeks.

Five events to look forward to in Switzerland this winter

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:22:08 +0200

After a long, hot summer, Switzerland has been fortunate with the weather this autumn, with most of the country enjoying a prolonged period of sunshine.

In pics: the best images of the Basel Carnival

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:53:11 +0100

The Basel carnival, Switzerland’s biggest such event, entered its third and final day on Wednesday with the sun even making an appearance during the traditional afternoon Cortège parade.

Switzerland’s biggest carnival kicks off in Basel

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:50:09 +0100

Large crowds gathered in the historic centre of Basel early on Monday morning for the traditional 4am beginning of the country’s largest and most important carnival.

Where to enjoy carnival in Switzerland this year

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 11:42:56 +0100

Carnival time is here already. The festivities kicked off in many Swiss cities on Thursday, with others to come in the next few weeks.

Basel Fasnacht recognized by Unesco as ‘intangible heritage’

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:02:17 +0100

Switzerland’s biggest annual carnival, the Fasnacht in Basel, was on Thursday inscribed onto Unesco’s list of intangible heritage.

IN PICS: Basel carnival parade targets Trump

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:40:54 +0100

US President Donald Trump was a top theme at Basel’s Morgestraich event on Monday morning, when lanterns depicting the controversial president and other topical themes were paraded through the streets.

Swiss carnival group creates burkini-themed float in ‘message of hope’

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 13:13:10 +0100

A group of friends participating in this weekend’s Brandons de Payerne carnival intend to wear burkinis and parade alongside a float designed as a swimming pool to “send a message of hope”.

Party like the Swiss at these eight spectacular carnivals

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:57:31 +0100

It’s carnival season in Switzerland, a chance to indulge and make merry before the coming of Lent.

Swiss carnivals play out to large crowds

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:49:00 +0100

With carnival season in full swing, numerous cities in Switzerland have been celebrating with colourful floats, costumes, children’s parades and traditional gugge music bands, as dry conditions boost attendance figures.

Revellers take to streets for annual carnivals

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:23:00 +0100

Thousands of people took to the streets in towns across the cantons of Valais, Jura and Fribourg at the weekend as carnival season in Switzerland gets under way.

Early procession kicks off largest Swiss carnival

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:37:00 +0100

Switzerland’s biggest carnival got under way on Monday at 4am in Basel, where the Morgenstreich procession of decorated canvass lanterns wound its way through city streets, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.

Biggest Swiss carnival off to rousing start

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:46:00 +0100

Thousands of revellers rose early in Basel on Monday to kick off Switzerland’s biggest carnival.