Traditionally, the National Bailliage gathers in the spring for its General Assembly followed by a Chapitre. This year, the Bailliage of Bäle-Ville hosted the event in Basel.

Organizing it was no easy task, as all events had to be rescheduled after the city was chosen to host the Eurovision Song Contest. Over 500,000 guests from around the world flocked to Basel for that occasion.

As a result, the Chapitre was postponed by a week, just in time before the “Art Basel” exhibition began, followed by the Women’s Football European Championship and the Basel Tattoo. Yes, there’s a lot happening in Basel this year!

Located at the bend of the Rhine in the tri-border region, Basel is renowned for its outstanding culinary scene. Bailli Karin Weinmann and her committee curated a programme focused on gastronomy and the historic centre of the city. Under beautiful weather, guests explored the old town, with its historic buildings and squares.

The General Assembly was held in the historic Grand Council Chamber of Basel City Hall. Balz Herter, President of the Grand Council, welcomed the attendees, after which the official business of the assembly was conducted.

Afterwards, participants walked to the Leonhardskirche, a Gothic collegiate church. In this solemn setting, Daniel Jäggi, Member of the Conseil Magistral and Bailli Délégué Honoraire of the Principality of Liechtenstein, welcomed attendees to the Induction Ceremony on behalf of our President, Yam Atallah.

Following the honours rpresented to the Commandeurs, 78 members (including 20 Professionals) were inducted, recognized, or promoted. Échanson Nadim Arfan inducted 23 new members into the Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD).

More than 225 guests enjoyed the apéritif at the SET Hotel Residence by Teufelhof, taking the opportunity to toast, socialize, visit the Chaîne National Boutique, or taste wines from last year's winner of the Swiss Wine Competition, Kaspar Wetli from Berneck in the canton of St Gallen.

A short walk brought the guests - including members from neighbouring local Bailliages in Germany to the Schlüsselzunft Restaurant. Vice-Conseiller Culinaire Andreas Übersax and his brigades welcomed the guests for the lunch. The city’s oldest guild house, introduced by Guild Master Alexander Sarasin, was filled to capacity with 210 guests and provided the perfect setting for the exquisite menu and regionally paired wines.

The committee of the Bailliage of Bâle-Ville can rightfully be proud of this thoroughly successful Chapitre! The large number of guests - and especially the many positive responses - distinguished the event and rewarded all those who worked hard to make it happen.

With evening on the way, as most guests were already heading for home, the city came alive again: FC Basel brought the championship trophy into the city centre. Yes, there is truly a lot happening in the city of Basel!

Karin Weinmann
Bailli, Bailliage of Bâle-Ville