Basel's Fasnacht Carnival Began with the Morning Morgestraich Parade

In Basel, the traditional carnival known as Fasnacht has begun. The inauguration took place early this morning, precisely at 4:00 a.m., according to an age-old ritual. After the fourth strike of the bell at St. Martin's Church in the city center, all street lights were extinguished. The key moment of the celebrations then began – the Morgestraich. Thousands of costumed participants, so-called Fasnächtler, took to the streets with large, hand-painted and illuminated lanterns. They marched in complete darkness, creating a unique, mystical spectacle of light and shadow. They were accompanied by the characteristic sounds of traditional drums and piccolo flutes. The atmosphere was accentuated by colorful, often frightening masks, which are an integral part of this local tradition. Basel's Fasnacht is one of the oldest and most important carnivals in Switzerland, with roots reaching back to the Middle Ages. Its current form largely took shape in the 19th century. In 2017, it was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its exceptional cultural and historical value. Organizers and local media refer to the coming three days as "the three most beautiful days" ("Drei scheenschde Dääg" in the local Alemannic dialect). For many residents and regular participants, the moment the Morgestraich begins is the culmination of the entire festival. Unlike the carnival in Germany, which ends on Ash Wednesday, the Swiss celebrations in Basel traditionally start later and last for three days after Ash Wednesday. This unique shift in the calendar underscores the independence of the local tradition. To enable people from all over Switzerland to attend the festivities, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has launched additional night trains. The special services are intended to facilitate both arrival at the event and the journey home after its conclusion. The three-day celebrations attract tens of thousands of spectators each year, not only from Switzerland but also from abroad, constituting an important element of local identity and a tourist attraction. The Fasnacht tradition in Basel is closely linked to the city's history and its medieval rights. Over the centuries, the carnival has also served as a form of social and political satire, evident in the thematic lanterns and costumes that often comment on current events. During the three-day festival, numerous additional parades, concerts, and performances by smaller carnival groups are planned. The Fasnächtler will present their lanterns and costumes throughout the day and night, and the city's streets will be filled with music and celebration. The event is considered unique due to the strict adherence to traditional rituals, such as the punctual start or the obligation to march in silence before the official commencement of the Morgestraich.