Basler Fasnacht Etiquette for International Tourists Guide

For official information, visit Basel travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Basel travel info.

Wearing a badge is a central part of Basler Fasnacht etiquette for all guests. Locals will immediately notice if you are not wearing one on your outer jacket. It signifies that you are a respectful guest who values the local culture. You should pin it clearly on your outermost layer of clothing for everyone to see.

There are four different levels of the badge available for purchase during the event. Copper is the most affordable option for casual visitors and first-time tourists. Silver and gold versions cost more but provide much greater support to the performers. The rarest version is the Bijou which is highly prized by local collectors.

Buying a badge helps pay for the expensive costumes and large parade floats. These items cost the local cliques thousands of francs to create every year. You can find specific details on where to buy Fasnacht Blaggedde in Basel in our guide. Supporting the event ensures this beautiful tradition continues for many more years.

Proper Behavior During the Morgenstreich Event

Morgenstreich begins at exactly four in the morning on the first Monday of the carnival. All city lights in the center go out at this precise moment. Thousands of people gather in the dark streets to wait for the first drum beats. You must remain completely silent to hear the piccolos and drums starting.

Flash photography is strictly forbidden during this magical and dark opening ceremony. Bright lights from cameras or phones ruin the atmosphere of the glowing lanterns. You should also turn off your mobile phone screen while the groups are passing. Respecting the darkness is a key part of the experience for what is Morgenstreich in Basel.

Do not try to push through the dense crowds in the narrow city alleys. Stay in one spot to watch the beautifully painted lanterns march slowly past you. The music consists only of traditional drums and piccolos during this early morning time. This quiet and focused atmosphere is very different from other loud carnivals around the world.

The event continues until the sun rises over the historic buildings of Basel. Many people head to local restaurants for traditional flour soup after the parade ends. Be prepared for very cold temperatures while standing outside in the early morning hours. Wear your warmest winter clothes to stay comfortable during this three-hour event.

How to Watch the Cortège Parades Respectfully

The Cortège takes place on Monday and Wednesday afternoons across the city center. Large floats and groups of performers march along a specific route through Basel. You should find a good viewing spot along the route quite early in the day. The most popular areas often get very crowded by one in the afternoon.

Never pick up confetti from the ground to throw it back at the performers. This confetti is called Räppli in the local dialect and is very important. Picking it up from the street is considered unhygienic and very rude by locals. Always buy fresh bags of confetti from authorized street vendors to use.

Participants might give you sweets, flowers, or oranges from the large parade floats. You should always accept these small gifts with a polite smile and a thank you. However, you must never grab items directly from the hands of the performers. Let them choose who receives the treats as they pass by your spot.

Stay behind the marked lines to keep the parade route clear for the groups. The heavy floats need plenty of space to turn corners safely in narrow streets. Keep a close eye on your children during these busy and loud processions. For the best views, check our list of best spots to watch Basel Fasnacht parade.

Costume and Dress Code Rules for Visitors

Locals spend many months preparing their elaborate masks and handmade costumes. These masks are called Larve and are often very heavy and detailed. Only active members of carnival groups wear full costumes and masks during the event. Visitors should dress in regular and warm winter clothing instead of costumes.

Do not wear funny or silly carnival costumes like those seen in other cities. Dressing up as a tourist is seen as disrespectful to the Basel tradition. You should blend in by wearing your normal coat and your carnival badge. This allows the focus to remain on the traditional and artistic local performers.

The weather in Basel during March can be very cold and quite damp. You will spend many hours standing outside on the hard cobblestone streets. Wear several thermal layers and waterproof shoes to stay warm and dry all day. Avoid wearing expensive clothes that might get stained by colored confetti or food.

Respect the performers by not touching their masks or their delicate costumes. These items are often very expensive and represent months of hard work. If you want to take a photo, always ask for permission first. Most performers are happy to pose if you are polite and respectful.

Dining and Socializing Etiquette in Basel

Local restaurants serve traditional dishes like flour soup and savory onion tart. These warm meals are perfect for the cold weather during the carnival days. Many places get very crowded, so you should book your tables well in advance. Expect higher prices and limited menus in many of the central locations.

Listen to the Schnitzelbängg singers in the local pubs and historic cellars. These performers sing satirical verses about current events in the local Basel dialect. Even if you do not understand the words, you must stay quiet. The audience listens intently to every joke and rhyme told by the singers.

Be prepared for a very long day and night of celebration in Basel. Most locals stay out until the early morning hours during the three days. Pace your alcohol consumption to ensure you remain respectful and safe at all times. Public transport runs on special schedules during the entire three-day festival period.

Many of the best events happen in small, hidden basement pubs called Cliquenkeller. These spaces are often private but some open to the public during Fasnacht. Always be polite when entering these traditional spaces and follow any local rules. You can find more official details on the Basel Tourism website.