The Picasso Miracle of Basel

In 1967, the Swiss city of Basel was rocked by student protests. Their protest slogan was: "All You Need Is Pablo." The students were not protesting against something or everything, they were protesting for the acquisition of two pictures painted by Pablo Picasso. The protests were a turning point and moved voters in Basel to spend more than six million Swiss francs in public money. This legendary ballot led to a miraculous propagation of pictures by Pablo Picasso.

Basel Tattoo; Are You Missing Out?

The Basel Tattoo has been established as the run-up to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for some years. It is the second largest outdoor Tattoo in the world after Edinburgh. The two Tattoos are closely linked and the Basel show arena in the historical city barracks is an exact copy in size and layout of Edinburgh's. This year, Basel does what Edinburgh doesn't: Horses. Are you missing out on something?

 

The Dos and Don’ts When Visiting The Basler Fasnacht

Always on Monday after Ash Wednesday, Basel celebrates its three day Fasnacht (carnival) which is unlike any other in the world. Should plan to immerse yourself into that fantasy world, you’ll have to be aware of certain rules that apply to all comers. There are also certain things you should be aware of to avoid practical jokes being played on you.

The Basel Tattoo

Every year in August, the Basel Military Tattoo is the magnet for over 80,000 people. It sounds like an old event, but it started out as late as 2006. But Basel has a long and living tradition of Pipes and Drums, so the event took to the city like a fish to water. 

Basel: Cultural Centre of Switzerland

Basel is not only a cultural center. Its special situation bordering both Germany and France has brought forth other peculiarities, like three railway stations in town center and a tri-national airport. It is also a city steeped in legend, most of which is fervently believed by its inhabitants. 

Vogel Gryff: Day of The Griffin

It takes a special town to have a festival dedicated to a mythical beast, but in a city where you stumble over basilisks with almost every other step you take, it has to be expected. Vogel Gryff, the Festival of the Griffin is held every January in the city of Basel.