Fasnacht carnival

Basel’s famous annual carnival, Fasnacht, is lovingly referred to as “the most wonderful three days” by locals. Highlights include a grand parade on the first and last days, and several high-profile concerts. On the second day of the carnival, usually in late February, an exhibit involving hundreds of lanterns brightens the streets – topics of local news and interest are depicted on each lantern in elaborate caricature.

Basel carnival

Art Basel, is an excellent showcase of premier international contemporary art. You can easily spend a full day viewing sculptures, drawings, paintings, photographs and videos from the world’s leading collectors. The event, sometimes called the “Olympics of the Art World”, boasts hundreds of galleries and works from more than 4,000 artists.

Basel Tattoo

The city plays host to Basel Tattoo, an annual military tattoo show with live music, a grand parade and impressive military displays. If you’re a fan of music and live performance, you’ll want to stick around for highlights such as the Basel Tattoo Choir and Top Secret Drum Corps, the Banda Monumental de Mexico, the he United States Army Europe Band & Chorus, and the Canadiana Celtic Highland Dancers. Get a front-row seat for the Basel Tattoo Parade, a colorful, music-filled spectacle that winds its way through the center of the city.

Baselworld

Baselworld, held annually late March, has distinguished itself as a premium marketplace and show for the global watch and jewelry industry. The event is held in the bustling Baselworld Village, a five-minute walk from our Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel. This week-long event attracts thousands of collectors who come to see examples of the world’s finest jewelry, including that hallmark of Swiss craftsmanship: the high-quality wristwatch. Watches rank among the most coveted pieces of jewelry at Baselworld, so take along your finest timepiece.