Hagenbach Carnival Parade

Palatinate Fastnacht in Hagenbach

The Südpfalz Fastnacht is distinct and differs from the well-known Rhenish version: different calls, different songs, different float cultures characterize the Palatinate Fastnacht, which has developed since the 19th century. Hagenbach is one of the strongholds of this Palatinate Fastnacht culture in the southernmost Palatinate and hosts its carnival parade on Shrove Tuesday, the highlight of the Fastnacht season.

Record Participation 2026

The 2026 edition records exceptional participation: 40 groups and 11 float-building groups will parade through Hagenbach's city center. The float-building groups have worked for months on elaborate floats that address current political events, local happenings, and classic carnival motifs. Dance and movement groups, music bands, guards, and masked figures complete the procession.

Schedule and Route

The parade starts at 1:31 PM (the typical Carnival time – eleven minutes past the hour) at the Hagenbach festival grounds. From there, it proceeds through the central streets of the city center back to the festival grounds. Thousands of spectators line the route, many in costume and showered with the classic "Bewurfgut" (thrown goods) of the Palatinate Fastnacht: candies, small gifts, chocolate.

Closing Event at the Festival Grounds

After the parade, participants and spectators gather at the festival grounds for the grand closing event starting at 6 PM. A stage program, guard performances, awards for the best floats and groups, and exuberant atmosphere until late in the evening mark the end of the festival. Catering is provided by the carnival clubs and local restaurateurs.