Faschingsumzug Dahn (58th Edition)
Largest Faschingsumzug in the Dahner Felsenland — 58th Gaudiwurm parades through the town of the Palatinate castles
About Gaudiwurm Dahn
The Faschingsumzug Dahn — affectionately called "Gaudiwurm" by the locals — is one of the largest and most traditional carnival parades in the Südwestpfalz. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the 58th edition will parade from 1:33 PM through the main street of the rock town Dahn, gathering several thousand revellers in the alleys of the city center.
The organizer is KV Elwetritsche Dahn (KVE Dahn), which consolidates the carnival season with sessions, a Guggemusik festival on the eve, and the Sunday parade into a multi-day major event. Its location at the foot of the Alt-Dahn–Grafendahn–Tanstein castle chain and within the Palatinate Forest Nature Park makes the Gaudiwurm an attraction for visitors from the entire region and neighboring Alsace.
58 Years of Gaudiwurm in Dahn
The Dahner Gaudiwurm has developed into the largest Fasching event in the Dahner Felsenland since the late 1960s. The carrier is KV Elwetritsche Dahn, whose name is reminiscent of the mythological Palatinate mythical creatures "Elwetritsche". The association bundles dance troupes, the Elferrat (council of eleven), men's ballet, and satirical speakers, and is considered one of the most active carnival associations in the region.
Guggemusik Festival on the Eve
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the KVE Guggemusik festival precedes the parade. Guggemusik groups from the Palatinate, Alsace, and Northern Switzerland will perform in the Dahn city center in the evening. The format combines a concert, street music, and a Fastnacht party into a pre-event that has attracted a dedicated audience for years.
The Sunday Parade
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the procession will form in the assembly areas from midday and set off at 1:33 PM. The Gaudiwurm parades through the city center via the main street with floats, walking groups, Guggemusik bands, and dance troupes. Thousands of visitors line the street, and residents serve wine, beer, and Palatinate specialties at their homes.
Felsenland and Carnival
Dahn is nestled among the striking sandstone rocks of the Palatinate Forest. The castles Alt-Dahn, Grafendahn, and Tanstein tower over the town, and the Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve begins right at the edge of the village. During Fasching, the natural scenery and the exuberant atmosphere combine to create an unusual experience. Visitors to Dahn often combine the parade with a hike to the castle ruins the following day.
Gaudiwurm Dahn — edition 2026
The Sunday parade assembles floats, walking groups, Guggemusik bands, and dance troupes into a procession lasting over an hour through the main street. Thousands of visitors line the route, and residents and associations serve wine, beer, and Palatinate specialties along the houses. The Guggemusik festival on Saturday evening marks the musical opening of the carnival season. The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
Programme Gaudiwurm Dahn 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
- KVE Guggemusik Festival in Dahn city center
- Guggemusik groups from the Palatinate, Alsace, and Northern Switzerland
- Concerts, street music, Fastnacht party
Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Parade assembly from morning
- Parade start 1:33 PM
- Parade route along Dahn's Main Street
- Floats, walking groups, Guggemusik bands, dance troupes
- Followed by street Fastnacht in the city center
Exact assembly points, parade numbers, and detailed program will be published by KV Elwetritsche Dahn on kve-dahn.de.
Highlights Gaudiwurm Dahn 2026
- 58th edition of the Dahner Gaudiwurm
- Faschingsumzug on February 15, 2026, 1:33 PM
- KVE Guggemusik Festival on February 14
- Largest carnival parade in the Südwestpfalz
Prices Gaudiwurm Dahn 2026
Practical information — Gaudiwurm Dahn
Date 2026
Faschingsumzug: Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:33 PM (assembly from midday). KVE Guggemusik Festival: Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the evening.
Location
Main street and city center of Dahn. The exact parade route will be published by KV Elwetritsche Dahn shortly before the date.
Admission
Parade is freely accessible. Guggemusik festival requires admission (fee published by the organizer).
Getting There
By train: Dahn station (Wieslauterbahn, otherwise bus from Pirmasens or Hinterweidenthal). By car: B 427 to Dahn. During the parade, the main street and adjacent streets are extensively closed. Parking available on the outskirts of town.
Recommendations
Costumes are encouraged. Arrive early (thousands of visitors). Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing.
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