Großer Schuttigumzug Elzach

One of the oldest carnivals in Southern Germany

The Elzach Schuttig Fasnacht is one of the oldest and best-known Alemannic carnival strongholds in all of Southern Germany. The first written sources mentioning Elzach Schuttig processions date back to the 16th century. The Narrenzunft Elzach 1530 e.V. — founded in 1530 based on legendary accounts — diligently preserves the tradition to this day. The Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht has been on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014. The central days in 2026 are Sunday, February 15 (Fasnetssonntag) and Tuesday, February 17 (Fasnetsdienstag).

The Schuttig — Wooden masks from generations

The Schuttig is the main figure of the Elzach Fasnacht — a fur-clad figure with a hand-carved wooden mask, holding a "Saubloter" (pig's bladder) as a striking instrument. Each Schuttig is unique: The masks have been passed down from father to son for generations, are often 100 to 300 years old, and are treated with respect like sacred relics. Families are proud of their Schuttig masks; the oldest pieces are displayed in their own display cases. During the parade, the Schuttig joins the revelry — its appearance is both a spectacle and an act of ancestor veneration.

Fasnetssonntag — February 15, 2026

Fasnetssonntag, February 15, 2026, is the first major day of activity. Starting at 3:00 PM, the Historical Schuttig Parade forms in the market square and proceeds through the town center. Over 1,000 Schuttig in full regalia, along with four music bands, create a monumental procession that winds through Elzach for about 90 minutes. The Saubloter strike rhythmically, and "Hu! Hu! Hu!" shouts echo through the alleys. Thousands of spectators line the route. In the evening at 8:00 PM, the torchlight procession follows — a special experience: the Schuttig march through the night with torches, and in front of the St. Nikolaus parish church, the Teufelsschuttig form for a dance around the flames. It is one of the most archaic-seeming moments of Southern German Fasnacht.

Fasnetsdienstag — February 17, 2026

Fasnetsdienstag, February 17, 2026, is the second major day. Starting at 3:00 PM, the "Grand Schuttig Parade on Shrove Tuesday" begins — a second major event where over 1,000 Schuttig once again parade through the town center. The atmosphere is more relaxed than on Fasnetssonntag, as Fasnacht approaches its climax. In the evening, there are witch events in the pubs, dance events in the community hall, and the Ash Wednesday "Burial of the Fasnet" during the night.

Accompanying Program and Children's Fasnet

From February 1 to 14, 2026, the Children's Fasnet takes place in the Elzach town center — smaller parades, musical entertainment, and performances by Elzach elementary schools. On February 16 (Fasnetsmontag), starting at 5:00 AM, the Taganrufen (early morning drumbeats through the alleys) begin, followed in the afternoon by the traditional Moritat — a humorous satirical litany about the events of the past year. The entire month of February in Elzach is dedicated to Fasnet, and the town embraces this tradition with great seriousness and joie de vivre simultaneously.