Nachenheim Carnival Parade Münster-Sarmsheim

Münster-Sarmsheim is a small municipality in the lower Nahe section, immediately before its confluence with the Rhine near Bingen. Geographically and culturally, the town lies at the transition between several landscapes: the Bingerland, the Middle Rhine Valley, and the Rheingau on the other side of the Rhine. This location also shapes the Carnival culture, which is traditionally influenced by the Rhenish-Mainz style, with sessions, 'Büttenreden', dance troupes ('Garden'), dancing, and a large parade at the climax of the season.

The Carnival season officially begins on November 11th with the traditional enthronement of the prince and princess. For weeks, internal club evenings, ladies' and gentlemen's sessions, masked balls, and performances by the 'Garden' follow. The actual highlight is the week of carnival itself, during which sessions, children's carnival, and the big parade follow one another.

The kick-off is with the first major session at the end of January or beginning of February. Here, local performers present their program: 'Büttenreden' with dialect and political satire, 'Garde' and show dances, male and female dance groups, as well as musical contributions. The children's carnival is a separate event specifically dedicated to the youngest jesters – with games, a costume parade, and a program tailored for children.

In the actual carnival week, further sessions, a 'Bunter Abend' (variety show), and finally the parade follow, which leads through the central streets of the town. Floats, walking groups, music bands, and 'Garden' pass by, while the audience on the roadside catches the sweets thrown by the 'Kamellewerfer' (candy throwers) and celebrates loudly. Afterwards, the season concludes in the local pubs and the club house.

The Münster-Sarmsheim Carnival sees itself as a village carnival with a family character. Unlike the large parades in Mainz or Cologne, everything remains manageable here; the performers know their audience, and after the parade, half the village meets for music and drinks. It is precisely this closeness that constitutes the charm of the Nachenheim Carnival.