Badenfahrt 2023 NEO: A Guide to Switzerland’s Quirky Festival

Held once every ten years, Badenfahrt is Switzerland’s largest municipal folk festival, capturing the attention and excitement of the entire region. This extraordinary event transforms the city of Baden into a vibrant hub of culture, art, and entertainment, celebrating the unique “Baden spirit” that can almost be felt as it permeates the atmosphere during the festivities.

And lucky for you it is taking place again this year – the 100th anniversary of this unforgettable festival. From August 18th to 27th, 2023, the entire city will come alive as a second city is constructed within its bounds. If you have never seen Badenfahrt it is certainly a sight to behold.

The lengths and breadths that the locals go to in order to build their crazy buildings are mindboggling. I love walking around town in the weeks leading up to the event and watching as they slowly but surely complete their works of art. It truly is a city within a city!

These whimsical structures and decorations are created to fit the chosen theme of each season’s Badenfahrt. And visitors from near and far will gather to immerse themselves in the explosive energy of the festival, enjoying concerts, street performances, culinary delights, and more.

During these crazy days, the Badenfahrt offers a once-in-a-decade opportunity to experience Baden’s rich cultural heritage in a truly unforgettable way. The festival’s charm and exuberance provide lasting memories for locals and visitors alike, securing its place as a cherished Swiss tradition that transcends generations.

General Information

Celebrations

The Badenfahrt Festival, one of the largest festivals in Switzerland, has its origins dating back to 1923. A huge range of activities, music, food and general exuberance takes place over the festival.

This year’s theme is NEO which stands for Past, Present and Future. On top of that, the idea is that it will include versatility, changeability and reinterpretation. and the combination of traditional values ​​and progressive ideas.

Activities

During the ten-day celebration, the town of Baden comes alive with a hive of activities and attractions that cater to different interests and age groups. Visitors can look forward to:

• Parades and performances: Colorful parades featuring creative floats and lively performances showcase the local talents and foster a festive atmosphere.
• Cultural events: Badenfahrt hosts a variety of cultural events, from art exhibitions to theatrical productions, highlighting the region’s rich history and artistic flair.
• Food and drink: Savory cuisine and refreshing beverages are abundant during the festival, with numerous food stalls and pop-up bars catering to diverse taste buds.
• Musical entertainment: From local bands to renowned artists, the festival’s stages offer an array of musical styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Badenfahrt Festival invites thousands of visitors to immerse themselves in a celebration of community and tradition, making it a truly unforgettable experience. With its friendly atmosphere and exciting lineup of events, the festival leaves a lasting impression on all who attend, eagerly anticipating the next edition.

Preparations

Local Community Involvement

The Badenfahrt Festival is a significant event in the town of Baden, Switzerland, and the local community plays a crucial role in its preparation. With the approach of the centennial celebration in August 2023, residents are eager to participate in organizing the event

Various groups, organizations, and individuals from the town come together to plan a diverse range of activities, including live music, dance performances, and food stalls offering local and international cuisine. The collaborative efforts of the local community ensure that the Badenfahrt Festival remains an authentic and enjoyable experience for visitors.

History

Origins

The Badenfahrt is a major festival in the town of Baden in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Its origins date back to 1923, when a big celebration was held in commemoration of the end of World War I and the Peace Congress of 1714. The Peace Congress was a significant event during which European diplomats negotiated the Peace of Baden, ultimately leading to the end of the Spanish War of Succession.

Evolution

Over the years, the Badenfahrt has evolved into one of the largest modern public festivals in Switzerland, attracting around a million visitors during its ten-day duration. The festival has occurred once every ten years since 1937, although there have also been some “in-between” events for a variety of reasons.

Initially focused on the spa culture of Baden, the Badenfahrt has since transformed into a lively event featuring music, dancing, and feasting. The festival has become an opportunity for the people of Baden to come together and reconsider their community life at regular intervals, forging a strong bond among residents.

Badenfahrt Events

Badenfahrt has been held (more or less) every ten years since its inception in 1923. There was a gap until 1937, and it appears to have been more consistent since then. Further down I have the full list of all the Badenfahrts since 1923, but let’s discuss the elephant in the room. Big or Small?

Small or Big Badenfahrt?

In 1972 the first “Kleine” Badenfahrt (small in English) was celebrated, an exception to the ten-year cycle was made for the 125th anniversary of the Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn (the train that once plied the rails from Zurich to Baden, on the first train line in Switzerland, actually!).

Another one was carried out in 1982, but the idea waned in many people’s eyes. Until 1991 came around and a complete exception was made in honor of the 700 year jubilee of the Swiss Confederation. It was entitled Swiss Made, to go with the idea of the jubilee.

Unfortunately according to some, 2002 was skipped because of the 200th anniversary of Aargau in the following year -2003.

People are understandably confused now. Everytime there is a Badenfahrt they ask “Big or Small?”. Although as a neighbor of mine famously said to me when I was discussing this issue – 2017 was in theory a “small” Badenfahrt but it attracted a record number of people. So, is there ever really a big or small anymore?