Karneval Floh-Seligenthal

Seven 'Büttenabende' and a Grand Parade

The Karneval in Floh-Seligenthal is one of the most vibrant carnival traditions in the southern Thuringian Forest. Two carnival associations — the Flöher Kirmes- und Karnevalsverein e. V. (FKK-Floh) and the Kirmesverein Seligenthal e. V. — are jointly organising the carnival season from early January to early March 2026.

Seven 'Büttenabende' and Special Programme

The heart of the season are the seven 'Büttenabende', which take place in the community halls of Struth-Helmershof and Floh:

• Humorous 'Büttenreden' — the classic discipline of German carnival: current events, local affairs, politics in rhyming form
• Carnival dances and show dances by the club groups — from 'Funkenmariechen' (carnival dancers) to modern show dances
• Music and singing — carnival songs and popular hits
• 'Weiberfascht' — the traditional women's carnival evening
• Children's carnival — alternating between Floh and Struth-Helmershof, especially for the youngest revellers

Highlight — The Grand Carnival Parade through Floh

The grand carnival parade through Floh is the emotional and media highlight of the season. Thousands of spectators line the streets as decorated floats and costume groups from Floh-Seligenthal and neighbouring towns (Schmalkalden, Brotterode, Trusetal, etc.) pass through the town centre. Traditionally, the parade begins with the handover of the keys from the town hall to the jesters — a symbol of the mock takeover of power. The best floats and costume groups are then awarded prizes.

Floh-Seligenthal — Carnival Capital in the Thuringian Forest

The municipality of Floh-Seligenthal (around 6,000 inhabitants) is located in the district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen in the state of Thuringia, on the western edge of the Thuringian Forest. It was formed in 1994 from the merger of the villages of Floh, Seligenthal, Struth-Helmershof, Schnellbach, and Kleinschmalkalden. In this mountainous region, traditionally characterised by industry and mining, the carnival associations maintain a vibrant carnival tradition that is related to the Rhenish carnival but is locally distinct.