Events

The origins of carnival – and of Basel’s own Fasnacht – lie shrouded in the mists of time, where history and myth blur together. Countless theories swirl around its beginnings, but few certainties remain. Tonight, we follow one of the most haunting trails: the echoes of death and the devil that run beneath the revelry. From the wild cries of the Wilde Jagd, that ghostly hunt of restless souls across winter skies, to the masked figures who mock mortality itself, we’ll explore the darker roots that may have shaped the laughter and chaos of Fasnacht. True or not — who can say? But one thing is sure: the story is too intriguing not to chase.

A football scholar and a former pro share their favourite books and what they mean to them. For our event on the Women's European Championship, Marianne Meier, Senior Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Bern and author of the recently published book "History of Swiss Women's Football 1923–2025," and our team member Permi Jhooti, ​​the first professional Asian female footballer in Great Britain, came together. In a dialogue between books about football and books by footballers, they took us on a journey that highlighted the connection between life events and sporting events, and their sometimes reciprocal influence. Often, they enrich each other in unexpected ways.

Love it, hate it, or secretly binge-watch it every year—the Eurovision Song Contest is more than just music. It’s politics, culture, identity, and a whole lot of drama wrapped in sequins and key changes. But what are we really voting for? The song? The country? The story behind the artist? Let’s talk about it. At "The Winner Is…", we’re diving into the bigger picture of Eurovision. It’s a night of conversation, debate, and maybe a little controversy. Here’s what’s on the table: - What does it really mean to vote? Are we choosing the best song, or is there more at play? - How does a country’s image shape its chances? Some nations get twelve points year after year—why? - What role does the artist’s own identity and story play? Do personal narratives influence public and jury decisions? - How do the contest’s rules and setup shape the outcome? Behind the glitz, Eurovision is a machine—who controls the levers? And because this wouldn’t be Eurovision without a little audience participation… we’ll put it to the test. You’ll cast your own votes, live, and see how our own mini-Eurovision stacks up! Whether you’re a Eurovision superfan, a casual viewer, or just here for the politics behind the pop—come join us. Who knows? You might just rethink how you vote.