Cross-border Fasnacht Parade Rheinfelden

A Fasnacht Without Borders

The Rheinfelden Fasnacht is unique in Europe: it is celebrated cross-border — between the German Rheinfelden (Baden) in the district of Lörrach (AGS 08336) and the Swiss Rheinfelden (Canton of Aargau) on the other side of the Rhine. The historical customs and border controls that once separated the two cities are symbolically abolished for Fasnacht: the main parade on Sunday crosses the Rhine bridge from Switzerland to Germany, uniting the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht of both countries.

Thursday, February 12 — Opening at the Obertorturm

The official start is on Thursday evening, February 12, 2026, with the opening at the Obertorturm in Swiss Rheinfelden — one of the medieval city gates. "Frau Fasnacht" (Lady Carnival) is symbolically led to the tower and takes over the rule of the city for the Fasnacht period. The Fasnachts-Gesellschaft Rheinfelden (FGR) traditionally carries out this ceremony.

Saturday, February 14 — Guggen Concerts

On Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM, Guggen concerts will take place at four venues in Rheinfelden (Switzerland and Germany). Guggenmusiken — quirky brass bands with a characteristically dissonant sound — are a hallmark of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht. Over 30 Guggen groups from the High Rhine region, the Canton of Aargau, and the Lörrach region will perform at various venues.

Sunday, February 15 — The Main Parade 2:11 PM–4:30 PM

Highlight of the Fasnacht period: On Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:11 PM to approximately 4:30 PM, the cross-border parade moves from Swiss Rheinfelden across the Rhine bridge to Rheinfelden (Baden):

• Approx. 90 groups with floats, witches, jesters, and themed performances
• Approx. 30 musical formations — Guggenmusiken and traditional Fasnacht bands
• Approx. 25,000 spectators line the route on both sides of the Rhine
• Symbolic goal: Unification of the Fasnacht families of both countries

Tradition and Significance

In 2026, as every year, the cross-border parade is a symbol of the close cultural ties of the High Rhine region — Alemannic dialect and customs know no political borders. The FGR on the Swiss side and the Rheinfelden jester associations on the German side have been collaborating for decades. The annual badge motto (in preparation for 2027 in 2026) — an award involving an art competition — also connects the two cities.

2026 with the Badge "S'isch ä Kunscht"

The 2026 badge motto is "S'isch ä Kunscht" (Alemannic: "It is an art") — the FGR mascot, the "FGR-Männchen" (FGR Little Man), is depicted as a sculptor shaping a marble statue. Symbolically: Fasnacht as a craft that requires skill and tradition. Badges are available for purchase — proceeds go to the FGR's Fasnacht club work.