Antoniuskirmes Baesweiler

Baesweiler — City in the Aachen Region

Baesweiler, with around 27,000 inhabitants, is a city in the Städteregion Aachen (Cologne administrative district), located in the north of the region — near the border with the Netherlands and Heinsberg. Characterized by its mining history (Steinkohle-Zeche Carl Alexander until 1972) and an active club scene. Like the entire Aachen region, Baesweiler maintains a strong Karneval tradition — Aachen Carnival is one of the three major Rhenish Carnival strongholds, alongside Cologne and Düsseldorf.

Junggesellenverein 1872 Baesweiler e.V. — Over 150 Years of Tradition

The organizer is the Junggesellenverein 1872 Baesweiler e.V. — founded in 1872, making it over 150 years old. In the predominantly Catholic Rhineland, Junggesellenvereine (bachelor clubs) are traditionally custodians of customs — they organize Kirmes (fairs), symbolic funerals, and shape club life. The JVB 1872 is based in Baesweiler and hosts several important events throughout the year — the Antoniuskirmes in January is one of them.

Antoniuskirmes — Kick-off of the Carnival Season

The Antoniuskirmes is named after Saint Anthony the Great, traditionally celebrated on January 17th. In Baesweiler, this occasion is used for a Kirmes-like club event in mid-January — simultaneously the official season opener of the city's Carnival. The event takes place in the Pädagogisches Zentrum (PZ) of the Gymnasium Baesweiler — not a classic festival ground, but an auditorium/hall with a stage, perfect for a 200-300 person club event.

Program 2026 — Guards, Prince Couple, Band

The program on January 10, 2026, brings together classic Aachen Carnival elements:

• KG Rot-Weiße Funken Beggendorf with the city's Prince and Princess Ralf and Ramona — Beggendorf is a district of Baesweiler, the Funken are the guard
• Narrenzunft 1972 — another Carnival society from Baesweiler
• Tanzgruppe Young Spirit — youth dance performances
• AixFive-Band — Live band for dancing and Carnival hits (Aix = Latin for Aachen)
• Honors: active May King and Queen couples of the current year and jubilee couples

Honoring of May Couples and Jubilee Couples

A Baesweiler specialty: at the Antoniuskirmes, the Maipaare (May King and Queen couples) are traditionally honored — couples who found each other in May during the May fair tradition. Additionally, there are the Jubilee Couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, and even 60 years since their election at past fair events. These honors are part of a complex, tradition-rich club life and underscore the social function of the Junggesellenverein as a link between generations.

JVB as a Social Anchor

The JVB 1872 describes itself with three values: “Unity, Tradition, and Unforgettable Experiences”. New members are recruited through the Antoniuskirmes and other events — the club thrives on continuous generational change and the involvement of Baesweiler's youth. At a time when many clubs are shrinking, the JVB is an example of successful tradition preservation.