Fastnachtsumzug Dillingen

Faasend in the Saarland — Own Language, Own Traditions

What is called 'Karneval' in the Rhineland and 'Fasnet' in Swabia is 'Faasend' in the Saarland. Its own language, its own songs, its own customs. Dillingen, the old steel town in the Saarlouis district, is one of the 'Faasend' strongholds of the Saarland. The carnival parade on Fat Thursday — 'Fettdonnerschdaa' in the local dialect — is the central highlight of the festive season.

Town Hall Storming at 2:45 PM

Before the actual parade begins, the traditional prelude takes place: the storming of the town hall. The jesters gather in front of Dillingen's town hall, loudly demand power, and symbolically depose the mayor. Only then does the town hall key grant passage for the main 'Faasend' part. In 2026, Mayor Christian Finkler must defend his office — excitement guaranteed.

The Route — Across the City

The parade forms up from 1 PM on Hoyerswerdaplatz, starts in the early afternoon, and follows a modified route in 2026: from Hoyerswerdaplatz via Merziger Straße, through Weinligstraße to the Saardom, then via Saarstraße towards Pachten. The endpoint is the Römerhalle in the Pachten district, where the post-parade party takes place.

Floats, Walking Groups, Costume Contest

Festively decorated floats with traditional throwing gifts — from candies to roses to small toys — and walking groups with elaborately designed costumes under the motto 'Manege frei!' parade along the route. Carnival clubs from Dillingen and the surrounding area, as well as numerous guest clubs from Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, and nearby Lorraine, participate. A costume contest awards the most creative ideas.

The Diefflen Parade on Friday

Those who want to experience 'Faasend' in its purest form should stay in Dillingen for Friday, February 13, 2026. In the Diefflen district, the local heritage and tourism association organizes its own carnival parade. Assembly at 3 PM, start at 4:11 PM (the jesters' hour!) at the community center. Both parades together make Dillingen the two-day 'Faasend' capital in the Saarlouis district.

Dillingen — Saarland's Steel Town

Dillingen/Saar is located in the Saarlouis district on the Saar river and is characterized by the Dillinger Hütte steelworks — an industrial landmark of the Saarland. With just under 21,000 inhabitants, Dillingen is one of the medium-sized towns in the state. The close connection between industrial tradition, club life, and customs makes the town an ideal location for 'Faasend'.