Chinesenfasching in Dietfurt

A Carnival Tradition Like No Other

The Chinesenfasching (Chinese Carnival) of Dietfurt an der Altmühl is one of Germany's most unusual and oldest carnival traditions. On the highlight of "Unsinniger Donnerstag" (Fool's Thursday), the small town in the Altmühltal Nature Park becomes "Bavarian China": lanterns hang over the streets, residents and guests wear Chinese-inspired carnival costumes, the "Emperor of Dietfurt" appears for an audience on the town hall balcony, and the traditional battle cry "Kille-wau!" echoes through the alleys.

Origin of the Tradition

There are several stories about the origin of the Chinesenfasching. One says that centuries ago, the Bishop of Eichstätt described the citizens of Dietfurt as inaccessible – like behind a "Great Wall of China". Another traces the festival back to a carnival theme from the 19th century that took on a life of its own. What is clear is that for generations, the Chinese costume on "Unsinniger Donnerstag" has been a firm custom – and is proudly maintained today.

Masked Procession, 50 Groups, 20,000 Visitors

The grand masked procession starts on "Unsinniger Donnerstag" — February 12, 2026 — through the city center. Around 50 carnival groups from Dietfurt and neighboring towns march through the old town in Chinese-inspired costumes, with dragons, pagodas, and floats. The town is estimated to be populated by 20,000 visitors for an afternoon – many times its own population.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Since 2018, the Chinesenfasching has been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Bavaria. In 2025, the tradition was nominated as a candidate for the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage – an honor that strengthens the self-perception of the people of Dietfurt.

Motto 2026 — Bamboo, Pretzels, and Year of the Horse

Each year has its own motto, chosen by the organizer – the Faschingsgesellschaft Bayrisch China (Carnival Society Bavarian China). 2026 the motto is: "With Bamboo and Pretzels — Celebrating Cultural Heritage — in the Year of the Horse". It refers to the Chinese zodiac sign of 2026 and the carnival's cultural heritage recognition.

Dietfurt in the Altmühltal

Dietfurt an der Altmühl is a town with about 6,200 inhabitants in the district of Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate, Bavaria. It is located in the Altmühltal Nature Park, at the mouth of the Schwarze Laber into the Altmühl. Dietfurt is primarily known for tourism due to its old town with city gates, the "Chinesenbrunnen" (Chinese Fountain) on the market square, and its carnival revelry.