CVP Prunksitzung Pirmasens

Tradition for over 100 years

The 1st Carnival Club Pirmasens (CVP) is one of the oldest and most traditional carnival clubs in the West Palatinate region. With its council of eleven (Elferrat), dance troupes, headline, and satirical speech departments, it preserves the classic format of Rhenish and Palatinate hall carnival (Saalfastnacht): a multi-hour gala session (Prunksitzung) with a fixed sequence of satirical speeches, dances, show acts, and music, presented with grand stage and hall design in the Pirmasens Festhalle.

Over 150 participants on stage

The gala session brings together over 150 participants each year: troupes in pompous uniforms, show dance groups with elaborate choreographies, Funkenmariechen (carnival dancers), a council of eleven (Elferrat) in tailcoats and top hats, a master of ceremonies, several satirical speakers (Büttenredner) with local themes and dialect contributions, as well as music groups that accompany the program between the stage acts. Preparation takes months, including costume making, choreography rehearsals, and stage rehearsals.

Pirmasens under the carnival magnifying glass

The satirical speeches (Büttenreden) address current topics of the city and the West Palatinate region – municipal political allusions, Pirmasens personalities, shoemaker city mythology, Palatinate everyday life. Presented in dialect and with Pirmasens' typical blend of self-irony and sharp observation, the session is a reflection of the city – and at the same time, high-level entertainment.

Festhalle Pirmasens as the venue

The Festhalle Pirmasens, the city's largest event venue, has been the home of the CVP Prunksitzung for decades. With fixed table seating, professional stage and lighting technology, and ample space for several hundred guests, it offers the ideal backdrop. Catering and beverage service at the tables are organized, allowing guests to enjoy the stage program without interruption.