Buchener Faschenacht

One of Southern Germany's Oldest Faschenachten

With over 500 years of tradition, the Buchener Faschenacht is one of the oldest carnivals in Germany and shapes the cityscape of the Odenwald town from "Schmutziger Donnerstag" to "Aschermittwoch" (Ash Wednesday). In 2026, the main phase runs from February 12th to 16th — from "Schmutziger Donnerstag" to Rosenmontag. Buchen is thus considered a carnival stronghold in the Neckar-Odenwald district.

"Schmutziger Donnerstag" — The Ausscheller Opens

On "Schmutziger Donnerstag", February 12th, 2026, the Faschenacht officially begins: The Ausscheller announces the start of the carnival days in the morning. In the evening, there are performances at the Old Town Hall and all-night celebrations in the city center. Schools are "freed," and kindergartens parade in costume through the streets.

Gänsmarsch and Huddelbätze on Faschenachtssonntag

On Sunday, February 15th, 2026, the historical Gänsmarsch starts at 2:11 PM — a traditional parade featuring typical Buchen customs. The Huddelbätze, hundreds of dancers in spotted costumes, parade through the alleys singing and dancing. Masked groups comment on local events of the past year, often in biting-humorous fashion.

The Buchener Blecker and the Jester's Cry "Hinne houch!"

A special feature is the Buchener Blecker — a medieval symbolic figure that jesters traditionally kiss as a greeting. The distinctive jester's cry "Hinne houch!" ("Bottoms up!") echoes through the old town from "Schmutziger Donnerstag" to "Aschermittwoch". Both are core elements of the Buchener Faschenacht and clearly distinguish it from other Swabian-Alemannic carnivals.

Rosenmontag — Climax and Burning

Rosenmontag, February 16th, 2026, brings thousands of visitors to the old town. In the morning, a traditional reception; at noon, the grand children's parade; in the afternoon, the main parade and a festive program in the Stadthalle. At midnight, the Faschenacht is symbolically burned — the transition to Lent. Until then, the city pulsates around the clock.