AKK-Fastnachtsumzug Kastel-Kostheim 2026
Karneval meets Fastnacht — the big street carnival in the AKK area on Shrove Saturday
About AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026
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The districts of Kastel and Kostheim are a geographical and historical peculiarity. Legally, they belong to the city of Mainz, but they lie east of the Rhine and have been administered by neighboring Wiesbaden since 1945. This dual identity — Mainz citizenship, Wiesbaden administration — has shaped its own district culture over the decades, in which Mainz Fastnacht tradition mixes with Rhenish Karneval influence from the nearby Cologne-Bonn region. In the AKK area, which also includes neighboring Amöneburg, a distinct carnival culture has developed, where Helau (Mainz Fastnacht cheer) and Alaaf (Rhenish Karneval cheer) stand equally side by side. The AKK-Fastnachtsumzug on Shrove Saturday is the most visible expression of this tradition.
The organizers are the Kostheimer Carneval Verein (KCV) and the Kasteler Carneval-Gesellschaft together, coordinated through the AKK parade leadership. The parade proceeds with around 54 entries — floats, walking groups, music groups, and guards — through both districts, with approximately 30,000 spectators lining the route. The day traditionally begins with the town hall storm at 11:11 AM at St. Veiter Platz, where the jesters symbolically take over power in the district. From 1:11 PM, the parade sets in motion and travels through Kastel and Kostheim on a route lasting several hours.
The motto 2026 — ALAAF meets HELAU — perfectly captures the AKK's typical dual culture and at the same time celebrates a 3×11 anniversary: 33 years since the organizational merger of the three districts Amöneburg, Kastel, and Kostheim into a common carnival and Fastnacht structure. For the 2026 campaign, this is a special occasion that will be reflected in dedicated floats, joint appearances, and a pronounced connection between both traditions.
The atmosphere along the route is familiar and intense. Families, clubs, and regulars bring picnics and mulled wine, children catch sweets and Strüßje (small bouquets) from the floats, guards march in uniform, music groups play Fastnacht marches and Karneval hits, and float designs address political and social issues with typical local wit. After the parade, clubs, pubs, and private groups continue celebrating in the halls and venues of the districts late into the night — the AKK-Fastnachtsumzug is the undisputed highlight of the Fastnacht campaign in Kastel, Kostheim, and Amöneburg.
AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026 — edition 2026
The 2026 edition is an anniversary edition: 33 years after the organizational merger of the three AKK districts Amöneburg, Kastel, and Kostheim, the joint association celebrates a 3×11 anniversary, which plays a key role in carnival numerology. The motto ALAAF meets HELAU perfectly captures the typical dual culture of the AKK area: Mainz Fastnacht meets Rhenish Karneval, the two main cheers of German carnival tradition are shouted in parallel.
The day begins early with the town hall storm at 11:11 AM at St. Veiter Platz. Here, the jesters symbolically take over the district administration — a classic element of Rhenish and Mainz Fastnacht culture. Afterwards, the parade forms, which starts at 1:11 PM and proceeds through both districts. The route leads through the main streets of Kastel and Kostheim and ends in the late afternoon. Afterwards, clubs and private groups continue celebrating in the halls and venues until the night.
Programme AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Shrove Saturday)
- 11:11 AM: Town hall storm at St. Veiter Platz, Mainz-Kastel — the jesters symbolically take power
- 11:11 AM–1:00 PM: Assembly of parade entries, preparation of floats, gathering of guards
- 1:11 PM: Parade start at St. Veiter Platz, procession begins
- 1:11 PM–5:00 PM: Parade route through Kastel and Kostheim, approx. 54 entries
- From 5:00 PM: After-parade celebrations in the halls and venues of the districts
Typical Parade Entries:
- Themed floats from carnival and Fastnacht clubs with political and social commentary
- Guards in historical uniforms (prince's guards, riders, funkengarde)
- Music groups playing Fastnacht marches and Karneval hits
- Walking groups from clubs, schools, kindergartens, sports clubs
- Floats from local businesses, clubs, and regulars' tables
- Children's groups with throwing items (sweets, Strüßje)
The exact program and route for 2026 will be published by the AKK parade leadership in January.
Highlights AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026 2026
- Town hall storm at 11:11 AM at St. Veiter Platz
- 54 entries through Kastel and Kostheim
- 30,000 spectators along the route
- Motto 2026 ALAAF meets HELAU — 3×11 anniversary AKK
- Largest Fastnacht parade east of the Rhine within the Mainz city area
Prices AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026 2026
Practical information — AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026
Assembly and Start Area: St. Veiter Platz, 55252 Mainz-Kastel. Town hall storm 11:11 AM, parade start 1:11 PM.
Route: Through both districts Mainz-Kastel and Mainz-Kostheim. Current route at akk-zugleitung.de.
Date 2026: Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Shrove Saturday).
Getting there: S-Bahn Mainz-Kastel, then walk to St. Veiter Platz. Due to road closures, public transport is strongly recommended; resident parking is largely unavailable.
Admission: Free.
Motto 2026: ALAAF meets HELAU (33 years AKK).
Notes: Family-friendly event. Costumes encouraged. Caution: glass bottle ban in some areas, observe organizers' notices. Often cold weather — warm clothing and tea/mulled wine recommended.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a AKK-Fastnachtsumzug 2026 al mejor precio.
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