In the heart of the city of Basel, a centuries-old tradition is revealed through the lively atmosphere of the Autumn Fair. Its history is rooted in the late Middle Ages, when a major economic and population growth following the council of 1431-1448 prompted the city to seek new ways to stimulate the economy. In 1449, to cope with an economic crisis, Basel decided to hold an annual fair, gaining official permission from German Emperor Frederick III in 1471.

Every year since then, the city has been transformed into a lively spectacle, with vendors displaying their wares, performances by street performers and the irresistible gastronomic dishes that have delighted visitors for centuries. The attractions have gone through an amazing evolution from mazes and tunnels of horrors to modern free-fall towers, always maintaining an irresistible charm.

One fascinating detail is the official opening, a much-anticipated event that happens every year on the last Saturday before October 30 at 12 noon sharp. The bells of the Martinskirche ring out, announcing the start of the Fall Fair. Since 2023, Florian von Bidder has taken on the important task of continuing this tradition, receiving a pair of gloves as a symbol of his role. A tradition that encompasses centuries of magic and mystery, showing Basel’s deep connection to its history and people.