If you want to experience this truly Swiss sports tradition, then you should head out to the Baselstädtischer Schwingertag—a competition of Swiss-style wrestling, or “Schwingen.”
Schwingen has been around for hundreds of years. In contrast to traditional wrestling, the events are held outdoors, on circular arenas matted with sawdust. In addition to their traditional clothing, the two wrestlers wear short pants made of burlap and held up by a belt. To start the match, the wrestlers hold each other by those pants and then, as in traditional wrestling, try to trip or throw their opponents so that they end up on their backs. There are numerous throws they can use, many similar to those used in traditional wrestling or judo. The match ends when the winner manages to throw his opponent to the ground so both of his shoulders touch the ground while holding on to the loser’s pants. At the same time, the fighters are awarded points for the throws they use, so if neither of the two manages a winning throw after a given period of time, the more active fighter receives the higher number of points. As a sign of respect for each other, the competitors shake hands before and after each bout, and the winner brushes the sawdust off the loser’s back after the bout.
Tickets are CHF 20 for numbered seats, CHF 15 for standing room, and CHF 10 for half-day (after 12:00) standing room. It is best to buy your tickets online in advance. It is recommended to take public transport; parking is an additional CHF 10.

Website
bs-schwingertag.ch/

Where
Sekundarschule Sandgruben
Schwarzwaldallee 161
4058 Basel

Share Add to Calendar

Advertisement