Basel’s Autumn Fair [‘Herbschtmäss’] dates back to the 15th century, when Basel’s mayor was granted the right to hold an autumn fair ‘in perpetuity’. The fair always begins 14 days before St. Martin’s Day [11 November]. At the stroke of noon on the Saturday before 30 October, the traditional fair bell of St. Martin’s Church rings to signal the start of the event. The amusement lasts for 14 days and people come from far and wide to enjoy the brightly-lit fairgrounds. The fair has a special ambience, fragrant with the aromas of sugar and spice. There are hundreds of stands selling goods, handicrafts, food and refreshments as well as many exhibition booths. The range of fairground rides is very varied [thrill rides, roller-coasters, swings, merry-go-rounds] and spread throughout the city, with new attractions appearing every year. The Basel Autumn Fair is the biggest joint fun and goods fair of its kind in Switzerland. This year (2022), it celebrates its 551th birthday!
