Donzdorfer Fasnetsumzug

Donzdorfer Fasnet — Swabian-Alemannic Tradition

The Donzdorfer Fasnet is part of the tradition of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht — the original, pre-Christian form of carnival in southwestern Germany. Unlike the Rhenish Carnival with its formal sessions and satirical speeches, the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet thrives on street parades, elaborate costumes (Häs), connections to medieval expulsion rituals, and the full involvement of the entire town. The 67th Donzdorfer Fasnetsumzug in 2026 continues this tradition.

42 Groups, 21 Themed Floats — The Choreography of Fasnet

The 2026 statistics are impressive:

• 42 groups — Jester groups, witch associations, Guggenmusik bands, traditional costume wearers
• 21 themed floats — colorful floats with current political and social themes
• Around 4,000 participants — active participants in Häs and masks

The themed floats are prepared for months — associations, families, and neighbors build new themes every year. Classics include current political caricatures (Stuttgart-21, energy transition, migration), local topics (Donzdorf railway line, school conflicts), and sporting successes (BVB, VfB Stuttgart, Bayern Munich). The creativity of the floats is what makes the Donzdorf parade a regional attraction.

Häs, Witches, and Guggenmusik

Classic Donzdorf Fasnet figures include:

• Witches with hand-carved wooden masks and black Häs
• Jesters with colorful vests and bell belts
• Schalmei pipe players
• Guggenmusik bands — quirky brass bands whose deliberately dissonant sound shapes the Fasnet atmosphere

The Donzdorf Jester Guild operates its own Häs-making workshop, where wooden masks are traditionally hand-carved.

Program on Sunday, February 15, 2026

The parade starts at 2 PM along the route through Donzdorf's town center. Groups will assemble from 12:30 PM in the Hechlingen district. The parade lasts approximately 90 minutes through the town center, passing Donzdorf Castle and the main streets. Following the parade, groups will gather at the festival grounds; Guggenmusik bands will continue playing in local pubs and tents. Festival tents and food stalls will be set up in the castle gardens and at various points in the town center — offering club catering, mulled wine, bratwurst, and Swabian specialties.

Donzdorf and the Lautertal Valley

Donzdorf is located in the western Lautertal valley, at the foot of the Swabian Jura, in the Göppingen district (AGS 08117). The town has around 11,000 inhabitants and is known for its 16th-century Renaissance castle, which was the seat of the Counts of Rechberg and is now the mayor's office. The Fasnet tradition in the town dates back to the 16th century. The current organized form with the Jester Guild has existed since the 1950s.