Fasching München — Damische Ritter Carnival Parade

Munich Carnival — Tradition, Merriment, and Bavaria's Capital

Munich Carnival is a Bavarian carnival tradition with a unique character: not the Rhenish Carnival with its Cologne triumvirate, nor the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht with its historical masked figures, but rather an urban carnival of the Bavarian metropolis featuring open-air stages, carnival balls, the traditional Dance of the Market Women, and a grand carnival parade. The Damische Ritter parade has been the highlight since 2007.

Munich — Bavaria's State Capital

Munich, with approximately 1.5 million inhabitants, is Germany's third-largest city and the capital of the state of Bavaria. For centuries, the city center between Marienplatz, Stachus, and Viktualienmarkt has been the geographical and social heart of the city — and thus the natural stage for carnival and merriment.

19th Munich Carnival Parade by the Damische Ritter — February 8, 2026

The central highlight of Munich's carnival tradition is the Damische Ritter Carnival Parade. In 2026, for the 19th time — starting on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 1:13 PM (a traditional jester's hour common in carnival).

Route 2026

The parade starts at Frauenstraße near Viktualienmarkt and proceeds through the Old Town:

• Frauenstraße → past Schrannenhalle
• Altheimer Eck
• Through the pedestrian zone
• Marienplatz (main stage with parade arrival)

Motto 2026 — "The Train Knows No Borders"

The 2026 motto underscores the inclusive nature of Munich Carnival — organizers aim to involve over 50 groups with music bands, dance formations, and carnival societies, bringing together people of all generations and backgrounds.

City Parliament in Festive Attire — Mayor Verena Dietl

As with every Munich carnival parade, a representation of the city's politics participates: in 2026, Mayor Verena Dietl will ride on one of the carnival floats.

München Narrisch — Open-Air Carnival February 15–17, 2026

A week after the Damische Ritter parade comes "München Narrisch": open-air carnival from Marienplatz to Stachus with two stages, live bands, DJs, and carnival performances in the pedestrian zone. Dates for 2026: February 15, 16, and 17.

Dance of the Market Women at Viktualienmarkt

On Carnival Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM, arguably Munich's oldest carnival tradition takes place: the Dance of the Market Women at Viktualienmarkt. The market vendors dance in colorful costumes — a tradition over 100 years old. On this day, "instead of fruit and vegetables, primarily beer, wine, sparkling wine, and mulled wine are sold" (original Munich description of the event).

Balls and Parties

Alongside the public carnival, numerous traditional balls are held in Munich:

• Magnolienball at Bayerischer Hof (February 7, 2026)
• Gauklerball at Künstlerhaus (February 7, 2026, Motto: "1001 Nights")
• Weisse Feste at Café Reitschule (Dress code: white)
• Narrhalla Schlagerfasching at Altes Hackerhaus (Thursday, February 12)

Schäffler Dance — The Munich Classic (Parallel)

During the same period, Munich also hosts performances by the historical Schäffler (coopers) dance troupe. The Schäffler Dance is a traditional Munich guild tradition that occurs every seven years as a major festive cycle and fits into the carnival calendar.