Fastnachtsumzug Frankenthal

Grand Parade of the Vorderpfalz

The Frankenthal Carnival Parade is among the largest Karneval parades in the Vorderpfalz region. With about 70 parade units, around 40,000 visitors along the route, and professional organization, it is an event with supra-regional appeal. The organizer is the Frankenthaler Carneval Verein von 1820 e.V. (FCV), which, as Stadtschlüsselverein (City Key Holder Association) in 2026, holds the authority over the city during the peak Carnival season.

Starts at 2:11 PM

Precisely at 2:11 PM, the procession will set off from the assembly point. Carnival floats with elaborate themes—political satire, local references, fairy tales, fantasy—walking groups in thematic costumes, dance corps with their choreography, and music bands from the Pfalz region and beyond will form the parade. Stadtschlüsselprinzessin (City Key Princess) Marlene I. will open the corso.

Carnival Market from 11:11 AM

The Carnival market on Rathausplatz opens as early as 11:11 AM. Food stalls, snacks, mulled wine, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Here, costumed residents of Frankenthal gather, meet acquaintances, and get into the festive spirit for the parade. The atmosphere is convivial and exuberant.

Parade Route and Grandstands

The parade route leads through Frankenthal's city center and ends at Rathausplatz, where the dispersal takes place. A barrier-free grandstand at Bahnhofstraße 19 offers people with mobility impairments a prime view of the parade. The grandstand is provided by the city and is staffed by volunteers.

Safety and Logistics

At a large event with 40,000 visitors, safety is paramount. Police, fire department, emergency medical services, and the public order office work closely with the FCV. Traffic regulations, road closures, and emergency exits will be communicated in advance. Travel by public transport is expressly recommended.

Frankenthal Carnival — A Brand

The Carnival Parade, alongside the Great Gala Session and the Straw Hat Festival, is one of the city's flagship events. It positions Frankenthal as an important Carnival stronghold in the Pfalz region and attracts Carnival enthusiasts from all over the region—from Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, through Worms, to neighboring Hesse.