Basel's Carnival in crisis as fire rules threaten iconic cellar venues
Basel's Carnival cruise faces disruption as stricter fire safety rules threaten the closure of traditional Clique-Keller venues. With the event just two weeks away, organisers are scrambling to secure alternative dining spaces for youth groups and revelers. The city's fire brigade will announce final decisions on closures by midweek, leaving many in limbo.
Around 70 Clique cellars in Basel now require mandatory fire safety inspections ahead of the 2026 cruise. While the exact number of closures remains unclear, some venues are expected to shut or operate under restrictions. This has left youth sections of marching groups without their usual gathering spots.
The city government has pledged to offer alternative locations, but options in the central area remain scarce. In response, the online platform fasnacht.ch launched a call for help, prompting over 1,000 seats to be pledged by restaurants and halls. The initiative aims to ensure that participants still have places to eat and socialise during the festivities.
Despite these efforts, uncertainty lingers over how many cellars will close and how many guests they can accommodate. The fire brigade's final assessments, due this week, will determine the full impact on this year's celebrations.
The Carnival's organisers and participants now await the fire brigade's verdict. If closures proceed, the pledged seats and government-backed alternatives will play a key role in keeping the tradition alive. The coming days will reveal how many groups must relocate and what adjustments will be needed.
