Haslach Fasnet — Grand Carnival Parade

Haslach Fasnet — Tradition in the Kinzigtal, 150 Years Ranzengarde

In the Black Forest's Kinzigtal valley, the Alemannic Fasnet has particularly deep roots. The town of Haslach im Kinzigtal, with its picturesque medieval old town, is a stronghold of this tradition. The Narrenzunft Haslach, founded in 1860, is among the oldest carnival guilds in the entire region. In 2026, the Haslach Fasnet will have a special touch: the Ranzengarde, one of the traditional guards, celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Grand Carnival Parade 2026

The Grand Carnival Parade on Carnival Sunday, February 15, 2026, is the public showcase of the Haslach Fasnet. Invited guilds from the Kinzigtal (Hornberg, Hausach, Wolfach, Schiltach), from Ortenau (Offenburg, Lahr), and the central Black Forest travel here. During the parade, you'll see the typical Alemannic mask figures — carved wooden masks, elaborate 'Häser' (costumes), straw bears, witches, Moors, and 'Bändelnarren'. Accompanied by music bands, 'Guggemusik' (dissonant brass bands), and floats with local political caricatures. The parade winds through the historic old town of Haslach — a backdrop of half-timbered houses, city gates, and narrow alleys.

The Carnival Week — from 'Schmutziger Donnerstag' to 'Fasentdienstag'

As everywhere in the Swabian-Alemannic region, the Haslach carnival week begins on 'Schmutziger Donnerstag' (February 12, 2026): the jesters symbolically take over the town, the town hall is stormed, and schools are freed. This is followed by witch dances, mask gatherings, traditional balls, and the grand public highlight on Sunday. The conclusion on 'Fasentdienstag' (February 17, 2026) is the 'Auskehren der Fasnet' — the symbolic burning of the carnival figure, marking the end of the fifth season.

150 Years Ranzengarde — Special Program 2026

The Ranzengarde is a traditional Haslach carnival figure and guard of the Narrenzunft. For the 150th anniversary in 2026, special events are planned — likely a ceremony in the run-up to Fasnet (January) and a special tribute to the Ranzengarde within the carnival week's program. The exact program for 2026 will be announced via the Black Forest-Kinzigtal tourism platform and the websites of local associations.

Haslach im Kinzigtal — A Picture-Book Black Forest Town

The town of Haslach im Kinzigtal, with around 7,100 inhabitants, is located in the middle Kinzigtal valley, in the Ortenau district. The old town — with its city gate, town hall, and Hansjakob Haus (local history museum) — is among the best-preserved small towns in the Black Forest and is a stop on the Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road) and the German Clock Road. Heinrich Hansjakob, the renowned Black Forest local history writer, was born here in 1837. The Haslach Fasnet is considered one of the most beautiful Alemannic carnival dates you can visit in a small town.