Faschingsumzug Megesheim

Jester's Stronghold in the Ries

Megesheim is a village of 700 inhabitants in the Donau-Ries district, on the southern edge of the Ries Geo-Park. Once a year — on Carnival Sunday — the small community becomes the jester's stronghold for all of Nordschwaben. The Faschingsfreunde Megesheim (short: »Mechasa«) have been organizing the largest carnival parade in the Donau-Ries district for decades, which is known far beyond regional borders.

The Parade — Almost 60 Groups and Floats

In 2026, the parade format will feature around 60 groups and floats — from satirically decorated themed floats and walking groups from clubs, guards, and music bands to the Faschingsfreunde themselves. Over a 1.5-hour route through the village, this means a high density and short waiting times between floats — a clear advantage over many other parades in the region.

Route — From Grabenfeld to the Community Hall

The parade starts punctually at 2 PM at Grabenfeld and leads via Hauptstraße towards Wemding. It then turns into Munninger Weg and ends in front of the community hall. A particularly attractive section is the area in front of the Gasthaus zum Hirsch, where individual groups and floats present their sayings and contributions.

After-Party in the Community Hall

After the parade ends — around 3:30 PM — the event seamlessly transitions into the parade after-show party in the community hall. Live music, dancing, carnival atmosphere until late at night: Anyone who wants to fully enjoy Carnival Sunday should stay for the party. Food and drinks are well provided for both along the parade route and at the after-show party.

Swabian-Ries Carnival Tradition

In the Franconian north of Bavaria, the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht tradition with witches, wooden masks, and »Häs« figures dominates. Megesheim mixes this Alemannic tradition with a Franconian-Rhenish carnival flair (guards, floats, barrel tossing) — the result is a colorful and particularly exuberant variant of Bavarian-Swabian carnival culture.