Fasnachtsumzug Dahn (58th Gaudiwurm)

The Gaudiwurm – Carnival in the Felsenland

Since 1969, the carnival club Elwetritsche Dahn (KVE) has organized the Fasnacht parade through the city center of the town at the entrance to the Dahn Felsenland. With now 58 editions, the Gaudiwurm is one of the oldest and most traditional carnival events in the Westpfalz. The name "Gaudiwurm" refers to the long line of parade participants winding through the main street on Carnival Sunday.

Floats, Walking Groups, and Music Bands

The parade regularly features between 80 and 100 entries – elaborately built floats from local clubs, walking groups with costumes and choreography, music bands, guards, Guggemusik (street bands), and representatives from friendly carnival clubs in the region. Political allusions, Palatinate characters, comic figures, and imaginative thematic concepts make each float a small show in itself. Candies and small gifts are thrown into the crowd – families with children, in particular, position themselves along the route.

1:30 PM Start in the City Center

The assembly and starting area is in the Dahn city center. At precisely 1:30 PM, the Gaudiwurm sets in motion and follows a fixed route through the main street. Police and volunteers secure the route; parking bans and road closures are in effect from the morning.

Street Festival and After-Parade Party

After the parade, the city center transforms into a carnival party: caterers and clubs set up stands, Dahn residents open their courtyards, and the celebrations in the pubs continue late into the night. DJ music, Palatinate songs, mulled wine, and bratwurst provide the classic carnival finale.

Embedded in the Dahn Carnival Season

The Gaudiwurm is the highlight of an entire season: The KVE Dahn hosts several gala sessions, a children's gala session, a Guggemusik festival, and indoor carnival events beforehand. The season traditionally opens on November 11th with the storming of the town hall.