Faasendumzug Marpingen — Rosenmontag Parade

Faasend in the St. Wendel District

While Cologne and Mainz occupy the media stage of German Carnival tradition, the Saarland cultivates its own, rustic-cheerful variant with the Faasend. In Marpingen, a village in the St. Wendel district, Rosenmontag is celebrated particularly grandly: The Faasendumzug is one of the largest in the region, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate year after year.

The Parade on Rosenmontag

The parade starts moving at 2:11 PM. The meeting point for the groups is Berschweilerstraße from 1:15 PM. From there, it proceeds via the market square through Alsweilerstraße, over Schafbrücke and Alsbachstraße to the community school. The parade route leads right through the village — residents decorate their houses, many open their doors to join the celebration.

Themed Floats, Guggenmusik, and Helau

More than 40 groups participate in the parade: themed floats with political allusions, children's groups, dance troupes, Guggenmusiken from the Saarland and the Palatinate, walking groups with elaborate costumes. The typical Saarland battle cry Marpingen Helau! echoes through the streets, and throwing materials — Kamelle (sweets), Strüsje (small bouquets), candies, and small plush toys — fly into the crowd.

Refreshments at the Town Hall and Market Square

Several refreshment stands provide Faasend fans with beer, mulled wine, and hot drinks. At the town hall, the IG Fasching Berschweiler operates a beer stand, and at the market square, associations provide guests with warm food, sausages, and crêpes. After the parade, the celebration moves into the village's inns — the Faasend doesn't end until late at night.

Three Parades in One Weekend

Marpingen combines its Rosenmontag parade with two other Faasend parades: the Faasendumzuch Berschweiler on Saturday and the parade in Alsweiler. Those planning an extended weekend can experience three Saarland Faasend parades in one weekend — a concentrate of Saarland Carnival culture.