Bollendorf Carnival — Prunksitzung & Foosdensdisch Parade

Carnival on the Sauer

Bollendorf is situated directly on the Sauer river, the border river with Luxembourg, and combines the Catholic Fastnacht tradition of the Südeifel with a cross-border flair. The Bollendorf Carnival Club is one of the most active clubs in the Südeifel collective municipality and organizes a diverse session program each year.

Prunksitzung on February 7th

The grand Prunksitzung on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, is the social highlight of the season. In the Bollendorf multi-purpose hall, Carnival enthusiasts from the Südeifel Nature Park gather at 6:33 PM and 8:11 PM for speeches (Büttenreden), guard and show dance performances, solo acts, and music. The club's dance guards and those from friendly carnival clubs will perform, as will speakers from across the region.

Children's Session on February 8th

On Sunday, February 8th, the younger generation takes center stage: The children's session at 1:33 PM and 2:33 PM offers a program for families with little jesters. The program includes dance performances by the children's guards, a child-friendly tombola, and group games.

Foosdensdisch Parade — The Festive Climax

The traditional Foosdensdisch parade on Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, is a special event. The Eifel dialect name for Shrove Tuesday refers to the unbroken tradition of concluding Carnival in Bollendorf only on Shrove Tuesday with the grand parade. At 2:33 PM, the procession with floats, walking groups, music bands, and costumed participants moves through the village streets. Afterwards, the village celebrates the Carnival finale in the festival tent and local establishments.

Eifel Dialect and Customs

Despite the internationality of the border region, Bollendorf Carnival remains down-to-earth: Speeches in Eifel dialect, local political allusions, self-built floats, and a strong sense of community characterize the events.