On December 29, 2025, Basel’s Fasnacht Committee, which is the main organizing organization behind Basel’s famous carnival, revealed the design of the 2026 “Plakette” (badge), whose sale supports the various groups (Cliques) and bands (Guggemusik) participating in the Fasnacht. Each year a competition determines the season’s design, and the choice is one of Basel’s best-kept secrets until the official reveal at the end of December.

This year’s badge was designed by artist Orlando (who doesn’t want his real name revealed), for whom it is the first time that he has created the winning design. It has the motto “Blyyb verspiilt” (Stay playful) and highlights the energy and power that children and youths bring to the Basel Fasnacht. Moreover, in the current world full of insecurity, it reflects the Fasnacht’s ability to provide a framework for a colorful, creative, and playful festival full of lightness, mischief, and child-like joy. According to Robi Schärz, who headed the selection committee, this year’s badge also serves to acknowledge the amazing work the various Fasnacht groups do in recruiting and working with children and adolescents to keep the Fasnacht traditions alive.

The badge shows a young child in a harlequin costume who is playing a piccolo flute. The artist deliberately chose a rather minimalistic approach that differs substantially from previous designs, focusing on a single figure and with a somewhat child-like drawing style conveying lightness and carefreeness. He notes, “Actually, the Fasnacht offers us all the things we already loved when we were children: going out at night, making noise, making a wonderful mess, dressing up in costume, and roaming the streets with our friends.”

As always, several versions of the badges are available at different prices, including a copper version (CHF 10); silver (CHF 20); gold (CHF 50); and “Bijou” (CHF 100), which is available as both a pin and a pendant. After deduction of the production costs, the remaining profits from the badges are distributed as subsidies to the various formations registered with the Fasnacht Committee and represent an important part of their income to cover the costs of their costumes, instruments, and other activities throughout the year.

The new badges and pins went on sale in early January, and you can get them right through the end of the Fasnacht. You can get them from the various Fasnacht Cliques, at certain Kiosk locations, and from the street vendors who stand at various locations in town calling out “Blaggedde! Blaggedde!” You can also order them online via the Fasnacht Committee’s website (https://www.fasnachts-comite.ch/de/shop). By purchasing a badge and proudly wearing it on your coat, especially during the Fasnacht days, you not only support the Cliques in raising some of the immense costs they incur for their masks, costumes, wagons, lanterns, instruments, etc., but you are also much more likely to receive some goodies during the large parades on the Fasnacht Monday and Wednesday rather than being doused in confetti!

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