Fastnachtstonnenabschlagen Born a.Darß

Riders' Tradition with North German History

Anyone visiting Born a.Darß in February can experience one of North Germany's most extraordinary traditional festivals: the Fastnachtstonnenabschlagen. The custom dates back to old riders' games where young men would ride their horses under a suspended barrel and strike it with a lance or club – whoever broke the barrel last was crowned "King". In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, this custom has been preserved for centuries and remains alive in several island villages to this day. Born a.Darß is one of the most traditional venues.

How the Festival Day Unfolds

The festival day begins at 11 AM with the assembly on the festival meadow. Riders, often in elaborate costumes – some from the previous costume ball two weeks earlier – arrive and are formed for the procession. Around 11:30 AM, the festival procession through the decorated village starts, accompanied by music and a growing crowd of spectators along the main street. Around 2 PM, the actual Tonnenabschlagen begins on the festival meadow: rider after rider approaches the specially prepared barrel, one strike per turn, until the barrel is stripped bare. Whoever lands the final blow becomes the Tonnenkönig.

What Makes It Special

Unlike summer events where the Tonnenabschlagen is often reserved for members of local barrel associations, the Born carnival is open to everyone – guests can also participate in costume if they register. Due to the weather, a winter match may last a maximum of 20 minutes. Since 2013, there has also been Tonnenabschlagen on foot, offering a separate format for non-riders, and a Children's Tonnenabschlagen, passing the tradition to the next generation. Costume awards for the most creative outfits have always been part of the festival day.

The Fastnachtstonnenball in the Evening

After the day on the festival meadow, the program transitions in the evening to the Fastnachtstonnenball – again at BornAqua, again with music and dancing, again with the costumes from the riders' procession, often lasting until the early morning hours. This concludes the Born carnival cycle: costume ball on the first weekend of February, Tonnenabschlagen and Tonnenball on the third Saturday of February.

Why a Visit is Worthwhile

The Born Tonnenabschlagen is one of the most vibrant traditional events on the German Baltic Sea coast. Those who want to experience North German culture beyond the summer tourism clichés will find an authentic event here, supported by the village community, with a real riding spectacle, music, catering, and family participation. The visit can be combined with a winter walk in the Darßwald forest, a hike to the salt marshes, or a boat trip break on the Saaler Bodden – weather permitting.