Basel’s famed Fasnacht celebrations began Monday, but the festivities were quickly shadowed by concerns over safety and inclusivity. While six people required medical attention during the Morgestraich, the official start of the carnival, a growing chorus of voices is questioning whether the traditional event provides a safe space for all participants. The JUSO beider Basel, the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party, issued a statement Monday criticizing the Fasnacht as unsafe for women, queer individuals, and people of color.
The JUSO argues that despite the Fasnacht Committee’s recently implemented code of conduct against discrimination, concrete protective measures remain insufficient. This isn’t a new concern; the organization has been calling for “binding steps for more accessibility and protection for all” for the past year. The criticism centers on the potential for harassment and violence, particularly during the “drey scheenschte Däg” (the three most stunning days) of the carnival.
According to the JUSO, women and queer individuals are disproportionately exposed to sexual harassment during the Fasnacht. They point to the increased potential for violence fueled by alcohol consumption and a perceived sense of impunity stemming from the anonymity and “Narrenfreiheit” (fool’s freedom) traditionally associated with the event. Specific examples cited include the deliberate stuffing of “Räppli” (small bags of treats) into the clothing of young women, creating opportunities for unwanted physical contact. “What is lacking is not the possibility – but the will to create a Fasnacht for all,” stated Aylo Hangartner, Vice President of JUSO BL, in the press release.
The situation is reportedly even more dire in Liestal, where the JUSO claims the local Fasnacht currently lacks any protective concept or support structures for those who experience discrimination or harassment. Janine Oberli, President of JUSO BL, characterized this as a deliberate prioritization of maintaining the event over ensuring the safety of all attendees. “Responsibility means protecting all participants, not just keeping the festival running,” she said.
The JUSO’s concerns extend beyond individual incidents to a broader critique of how tradition is used to normalize harmful behavior. Leon Bürgin, Co-President of JUSO BS, emphasized that looking the other way makes individuals complicit in perpetuating these issues. The organization is calling for a series of concrete measures to address these concerns, including the establishment of an awareness team, a 24/7 emergency hotline, clear consequences for discriminatory behavior, and a ban on costumes and group names deemed racist, sexist, or ableist.
These calls for change approach after the Fasnacht Committee published a guide against racism last year, as reported by SRF here. However, the JUSO argues that a guide alone is insufficient without accompanying structural changes.
The Badische Zeitung reported that the Fasnacht Committee does not see a systematic problem and has distanced itself from all forms of discrimination. However, the JUSO maintains that systemic issues require systemic solutions.
The debate over safety and inclusivity at the Basler Fasnacht highlights a broader tension between preserving tradition and ensuring a welcoming environment for all. The JUSO’s demands for concrete action are likely to fuel further discussion as the carnival continues. The organization plans to continue advocating for these changes in the coming year, pushing for a Fasnacht that truly lives up to its reputation as a celebration for everyone.
What remains to be seen is how the Fasnacht Committee and local authorities will respond to these criticisms and whether they will implement the changes demanded by the JUSO. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Basler Fasnacht can evolve to become a truly inclusive and safe event for all its participants.
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