Biggest Fasnacht now underway

Monday, 23 February 2026 06:30

The Basel Fasnacht is underway.

At five o’clock this morning, the city plunged into darkness for the traditional Morgestraich, as thousands of lanterns lit up the old town streets.

Drummers and pipers are now marching through Basel, kicking off three days of music, satire, and elaborate costumes.

Switzerland’s largest carnival is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors.

Festivities continue around the clock until Thursday morning, when the event ends with the traditional “Endstreich.”

Following the New Year’s fire in Crans-Montana, this year’s event has much stricter regulations on torches, open fires, candles and fireworks.

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