Elchesheim-Illingen Fasching — Rathaussturm and Narrendorf

Shrove Thursday in the Southern Hardtwald

The Fasching (carnival) of the twin community Elchesheim-Illingen culminates on Shrove Thursday — the Thursday before Rose Monday. On this day, normal order is suspended, and the jesters and witches take power. The town hall storm is organized jointly by the local administration, the Elchinger Hexen, and local clubs — a mix of traditional Alemannic Fasnet and modern folk festival atmosphere.

11:11 AM — The Elchinger Hexen Storm the Town Hall

The day begins precisely at 11:11 AM — the jesters' opening hour — with the traditional Rathaussturm (town hall storm). The Elchinger Hexen march onto the Rathausplatz with battle cries and shouts, accompanied by the community's music association. They symbolically seize the town hall, the mayor reluctantly hands over the key, and relinquishes power — the jesters rule until Ash Wednesday.

Narrendorf on the Rathausplatz

Afterwards, the Rathausplatz transforms into a Narrendorf: Various clubs — the sports club, the judo club, the music association, the fire department, the women's association — serve food at stalls all day with jester specialties. There will be Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (fried sausage), fries, Kreppel (Berliner doughnuts), Krapfen (doughnuts), coffee, and homemade cake — typical carnival food from the Northern Baden region.

Day Program

Performances run throughout the afternoon: The Kinderspielkurs (children's playgroup) entertains the youngest with games and activities. Dance groups from the Judo and Sports Club showcase their choreography. The Kindergartenchor (kindergarten choir) sings carnival songs. From 5 PM, the band 5Ytongs takes the stage — a regional cover band that rocks the Narrendorf into the evening. Bar service until 10 PM, event ends at 11 PM.

Elchesheim-Illingen — Twin Community in the Murg Foreland

Elchesheim-Illingen is a community of around 3,700 inhabitants in the Rastatt district, located between the Rhine and Murg rivers, on the southern edge of the Rhine plain. The two districts, Elchesheim and Illingen, merged in 1975 to form the current municipality. The carnival/Fasching here is traditionally characterized by the Baden-Alemannic style — no court ladies like in Rhenish carnival, but witches, jester figures, and folk dances. The Rathaussturm on Shrove Thursday is the festive highlight of the year.