Gronau Carnival Parade

Carnival in the Border Town

Gronau (Westphalia) is an unusual carnival town: Located on the Dutch border, with close ties to Enschede, Münsterland carnival traditions mingle here with Dutch Vrolijkheid (cheerfulness). The Bund Aktiver Karnevalisten Gronau (BAK) is the umbrella organization of several local carnival clubs and organizes the annual carnival parade — the highlight of Gronau's Fastnacht — on Carnival Sunday.

Parade, DJ, and Tommy Steiner

The Carnival Parade proceeds through the Gronau city center from midday with floats, walking groups, carnival clubs, and music corps. The end of the procession is Kurt-Schumacher-Platz, where the event is centered on a stage: Live commentary of the parade, followed by a DJ program and a performance by Schlager singer Tommy Steiner. Families, carnival fans, and Dutch guests fill the square and celebrate Fastnacht in a Westphalian-Rhenish mix.

Münsterland Meets Carnaval

Unlike the major Rhenish carnival strongholds of Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Mainz, Gronau's carnival is compact and down-to-earth. One parade, one stage, one Schlager star — that's it. But this is precisely what makes the format appealing: You can follow the entire parade, experience the atmosphere at Kurt-Schumacher-Platz, and drive home without stress in the evening. The proximity to the Netherlands brings additional guests — Dutch "Carnaval" (Mardi Gras in the Catholic south) can be easily combined with the Gronau parade.

Tommy Steiner as a Fixture

Schlager singer Tommy Steiner has been a fixture on the Gronau carnival stage for years. With carnival hits, Schlager classics, and the inevitable atmosphere of an open-air sing-along party, he provides the musical highlight after the parade. Followed by a DJ mix until the evening. Free admission at Kurt-Schumacher-Platz.