We’re thrilled to introduce you to our official Wapuu mascot for WordCamp Europe 2025! From sporting regional attire to holding iconic objects, Wapuu reflects the creativity and diversity of the WordPress ecosystem.
What is a Wapuu?
If you’ve attended a WordCamp event before, you’ve likely encountered Wapuu, the lovable and customisable mascot of the WordPress Community. The original Wapuu was created in Japan to promote WordPress and foster community spirit. Designed by Japanese illustrator Kazuko Kaneuchi as a gift to the WordPress Community, Wapuu made its debut at WordCamp Fukuoka in February 2011. Since then, Wapuu has evolved into a global phenomenon, with local WordPress Communities designing their own unique versions to represent their cities, cultures, and events.
WCEU 2025 Wapuu: A Celebration of Basel’s Culture and Open-Source Spirit
For WordCamp Europe 2025, we wanted a Wapuu that truly embodies the spirit of Basel—the host city—and reflects the values of WordPress. Our design takes inspiration from Basel’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its famous carnival, creating a Wapuu that is both playful and deeply symbolic.
Why the Basel Carnival?
Basel isn’t just known for its museums and big businesses—it’s also home to Switzerland’s largest and most colourful carnival, Basler Fasnacht. This three-day celebration is wild, creative, and completely unique—so much so that it’s on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list! But more importantly, it’s a festival by the people, for the people. Anyone can take part, much like how WordPress is open to everyone, no matter their background or skill level.
Wapuu Goes Full Waggis
Our 2025 Wapuu is all dressed up for the occasion, wearing the costume of a Waggis—one of the most iconic figures of the Basel Carnival. The Waggis is a playful caricature of an Alsatian peasant from the 19th century, known for being a bit of a wanderer, a hard worker, and someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Sound familiar?
That’s pretty much the WordPress Community—borderless, down-to-earth, and always up for some fun!
Drumming Up the Spirit of Basel
No Basel Carnival experience would be complete without the sound of drums filling the streets. That’s why our Wapuu is carrying a Basel drum, a classic two-headed rope-tension drum. The black and white stripes on it? They’re Basel’s official colours. Over 2,000 drummers play these during the festival, creating a rhythm that pulses through the city. It’s a tradition that’s loud, proud, and full of energy—just like WordCamp Europe!
More Than Just a Fun Costume
We didn’t choose the Basel Carnival just because it’s famous. We love it because it represents something bigger: community, creativity, and freedom. Costumes follow traditional designs, but everyone makes their own by hand, adding their own personal touch. It’s DIY, it’s open-source—it’s WordPress!
By basing our Wapuu on the carnival, we’re also showing a different side of Basel. When people think of the city, they often picture banks, big corporations, and the pharmaceutical industry. But Basel is also bursting with art, culture, and grassroots creativity—just like WordPress.
So, as we gear up for WordCamp Europe 2025, we hope you love our Basel-inspired Wapuu as much as we do. It’s a celebration of the city, the carnival, and everything that makes WordPress amazing. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Who designed the WCEU 2025 Wapuu?
A huge thank you to Ioanna Aravani and Sophie Porte from the WCEU Design Team for bringing this fantastic Wapuu to life! Their creativity and passion have perfectly captured the spirit of Basel and the open-source energy of WordPress. We can’t wait for everyone to meet our carnival-loving Wapuu at WordCamp Europe 2025!
Download the WCEU 2025 Wapuu
Do you love our Wapuu already? You can download it and share its story with the world!
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