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.

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.

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.

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.

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 submit Basel Fasnacht to Unesco list

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 12:57:44 +0200

Basel’s famous Fasnacht carnival could be inscribed on the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list after the Swiss federal culture office submitted it for consideration this week.

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.

Basel drummers pound out expert carnival beat

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 20:24:00 +0100

Drummers play a key role in Basel’s three-day annual carnival or Fasnacht. But drumming is more than just a pastime in this German-speaking city on the Rhine River, as The Local’s Emily Mawson discovers.

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.

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.