Närrisches Altstadtfest — Erfurt Carnival Parade

Carnival in Thuringia's State Capital

Erfurt is not the Rhineland — but carnival is celebrated here too, and the festive parade on Shrove Tuesday is one of Thuringia's best-known carnival events. The parade is supported by two traditional carnival societies: the Gesellschaft Erfurter Carneval (GEC) and Erforfia. Both join forces year after year for the season's grand highlight.

From Domplatz via Anger to Fischmarkt

The route traditionally leads from Domplatz — the monumental backdrop of Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church — via Anger, Erfurt's main artery, to Fischmarkt in front of the historic town hall. Three of Erfurt's most beautiful squares are transformed into festive stages. The parade starts at 1:11 PM (the hour of fools), accompanied by music clubs, guards, Funkenmariechen, floats, and costumed groups from all over Thuringia.

2026 Motto: Hand in Hand

The motto for the 2025/26 season is «GEC and Erforfia – Hand in Hand through the Land of Fools» — a commitment to the cooperation of the two traditional Erfurt carnival clubs. The parade on February 15, 2026, is the public highlight of a carnival season that runs with sessions and balls starting as early as November 11, 2025.

Road Closures and Travel

Roads in the parade area will be closed from 10 AM. Those arriving by car should use car parks on the outskirts of the city centre. Trams stop at several stations along the route — ideal for spontaneous travel.

Free Admission — Fasching Tradition in Central Germany

Admission to the parade is free, and costumes are explicitly encouraged. Helau and Erfurt-Helau echo through the Old Town, Kamelle (sweets) are thrown, and the atmosphere is exuberant. For families with children, a spot on Anger or Fischmarkt is recommended — collecting Kamelle is as much a part of Thuringian carnival tradition as the «Land of Fools» motto.