Event Details
Basel Carnival 2027: The Three Finest Days from 15 to 17 February
Basel Carnival 2027 begins on Monday, 15 February 2027, at exactly 4:00 AM with the legendary Morgenstreich and ends on Thursday, 18 February, also at 4:00 AM with the Ändstraich. The 72 hours in between represent an extraordinary cultural event: the largest carnival in Switzerland and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Around 20,000 active participants transform Basel's city centre into a unique stage of lanterns, masks, drums and sharp political satire.
Highlights of Basel Carnival 2027
- Morgenstreich: Monday, 15 February, 4:00 AM – all lights in the city centre go dark
- Cortège parade: Monday and Wednesday afternoon, 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Children's Carnival: Tuesday, 16 February, throughout the day
- Guggenmusik concerts: Tuesday evening exclusively in the city centre
- Lantern exhibition at Münsterplatz: Monday evening through Wednesday morning
- Schnitzelbängg: Monday and Wednesday evenings in restaurants across the city
- Ändstraich: Thursday, 18 February, 4:00 AM – the official end of Carnival
Program in Detail
Monday, 15 February 2027 – Morgenstreich and First Cortège
Monday is the heart of Basel Carnival. At exactly 4:00 AM the bell of St Martin's Church rings, every light in the city centre goes dark. The command «Morgestraich: Vorwärts, marsch!» rings out and thousands of drummers and piccolo players simultaneously begin the traditional Morgenstreich march. Only the elaborately painted lanterns of the Cliquen illuminate the darkened streets. In the afternoon from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM the grand Cortège parade moves through the city centre. From Monday evening, lanterns are displayed at Münsterplatz. Best spots to watch the Morgenstreich: Marktplatz, Barfüsserplatz, Rümelinsplatz and Freie Strasse.
Tuesday, 16 February 2027 – Children's Carnival and Guggenkonzerte
Tuesday belongs to children and families. During the day, the Children's Carnival fills the streets with costumed youngsters. In the evening, the Guggenmusik bands take over the city centre exclusively; their brass-heavy, humorous interpretations of popular songs play until late into the night. The lantern exhibition at Münsterplatz glows beautifully after sunset.
Wednesday, 17 February 2027 – Second Cortège and Schnitzelbängg
The final Carnival day features the second grand Cortège from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Cliquen, Guggenmusiken, float groups, Chaisen and individual masked participants parade through the city centre. In the evening, the Schnitzelbängg perform their satirical, rhyming verses in Basel dialect in restaurants throughout the city, poking fun at political and social events of the past year. At 4:00 AM on Thursday, 18 February, the Ändstraich brings the Basel Carnival to its official close.
Admission and Costs
Basel Carnival is free for spectators. The street celebrations, Cortège parade and Morgenstreich are open to everyone at no charge. Specific events such as Schnitzelbängg evenings in restaurants may charge an entrance fee.
Getting There
The entire Basel city centre is closed to car traffic during Carnival. Arriving by SBB train, tram or bus is strongly recommended. Swiss Federal Railways run special trains for the Morgenstreich. If driving, park in the outskirts and take public transport for the final stretch.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive in the city centre by 3:30 AM to find a good viewing spot for the Morgenstreich.
- Wear warm and waterproof clothing as February nights in Basel can be cold and damp.
- Wearing a costume or mask is not required but greatly enhances the experience.
- Book accommodation as far in advance as possible as hotels fill quickly during Carnival.
- The free app «Basel City Guide» helps visitors navigate the festivities and find highlights across the city.
- Best viewing spots for the Morgenstreich: Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz, Rümelinsplatz and Freie Strasse.
