Aschaffenburg Carnival Parade

A Franconian-Rhenish Carnival Tradition

The Aschaffenburg Carnival Parade is the largest carnival event in the Bavarian part of the Lower Main region. The city of Aschaffenburg in Lower Franconia is only a short drive from Mainz and Frankfurt and has always been shaped by the Rhenish-Hessian-Franconian carnival culture. While Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz are known for their Rose Monday parades, the big parade in Aschaffenburg takes place on Carnival Sunday – traditionally at 2 PM.

The Route Through the City Center

The parade starts at the roundabout on Alexandrastraße. From there, the route leads through Würzburger Straße, Hofgartenstraße with a view of Schöntal Park, Platanenallee, Goldbacher Straße, and Weißenburger Straße. It turns into Friedrichstraße via the Erthalstraße corner, then into Luitpoldstraße – and concludes with a grand finale at Schlossplatz in front of Johannisburg Castle, one of Germany's most important Renaissance castles.

Over 45 Parade Entries, Clubs, and Guards

Over 45 parade entries make up the Aschaffenburg Carnival Parade: decorated floats with satirical, political, and festive themes, walking groups in imaginative costumes, marching guards in red uniforms, drum and bugle corps, and music bands from Aschaffenburg, the surrounding district, and friendly clubs from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. Sweets and 'Kamelle' (candy) rain down on the spectators; many participants also hand out small treats, schnapps in plastic cups, or flowers.

Colorful Carnival Fun at Schlossplatz

After the parade, Schlossplatz transforms into a large, colorful carnival fair. Stages, food stalls from the Aschaffenburg carnival clubs, music, and dancing put the city center in a festive mood. Restaurants, pubs, and bars offer carnival specials; the city center celebrates late into the night.

The Organizing Association

The Interessengemeinschaft Ascheberscher Fastnacht (Aschaffenburg Carnival Interest Group) is responsible for the parade. It's an association of six Aschaffenburg carnival clubs and the city administration. They coordinate the registration of parade entries, security, the accompanying program, and communication with the police, fire department, and medical services.