Fasching in Coburg – Gaudiwurm

Coburg's "6 Great Days"

Although Coburg is geographically located in Upper Franconia (Bavaria), in terms of carnival history, it belongs to the Franconian-Rhenish carnival tradition – and you can feel it every year during the mad season. From February 12th to 17th, 2026, the Upper Franconian residence city traditionally has "6 great days" on its program. Two closely cooperating organizations are responsible: the German Showmen's Association, Coburg Section, which sets up the rides and the folk festival on the market square, and the Coburger Narrhalla, the traditional carnival club responsible for the official carnival program.

Gaudiwurm – The Big Carnival Parade

The highlight of Coburg's carnival week is the Gaudiwurm, the largest carnival parade in the region. On Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at 2:00 PM, the procession starts from Bamberger Straße and winds its way through Coburg's city center – via Schützenstraße, Ketschendorfer Straße, and Ketschengasse to the market square, then via Herrngasse and Theaterplatz towards Steinweg, Spitalgasse, and back to the market square. More than 70 colorful groups – carnival clubs, sports clubs, politicians, schools, companies, carnival societies – march through the city with elaborately built floats, music bands, and walking groups.

Before and After the Parade on the Market Square

Even before the parade, a warm-up party with Radio EINS will get things going on the market square starting at 12:30 PM. After the Gaudiwurm, the big open-air carnival party will kick off on the market square from 3:00 PM onwards – with live music and DJ beats from the radio station. Coburg's carnival costumes range from classic jesters to witches and hussars, as well as imaginative original creations.

The Program Before the Parade

The official program begins weeks in advance: Town Hall Storming (November 15th, 2025, 11:11 AM), Gala Evening at the Kongresshaus, Children's Sessions, "Coronation" of the Prince and Princess. During the actual carnival week, there are also the Grand Sessions, a Children's Session (February 1st, at the Kongresshaus), the event "Karneval Total" on February 16th at the Münchner Hofbräu Coburg, and the Carnival Finale on February 17th at Hartmanns.

Coburg – Residence City with a Love for Carnival

Coburg, the former residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, is now a Bavarian city with around 41,000 inhabitants. It is located in the district of Coburg in northern Upper Franconia, on the border with Thuringia. With its Veste (fortress), Schlossplatz (Palace Square), Rathaus (Town Hall), and Hofgarten (Court Garden), it is one of Bavaria's most beautiful small residence cities – and one of the most exuberant during carnival season.