Raesfeld Carnival (RCV)

Carnival in the heart of Münsterland

In the western Münsterland region, in the district of Borken, lies the municipality of Raesfeld — and it boasts a distinct carnival tradition. The Raesfelder Carnevals Verein (RCV) hosts the carnival session with a packed schedule of events, concentrated before Ash Wednesday. The 2025/26 carnival session runs from February 7 to 16, 2026.

The 2026 Program in Detail

Saturday, February 7, 2026 — RCV Gala Session

• Doors Open: 6:11 PM — Start: 7:11 PM (the typical carnival numbers "11/11")
• Ticket: €15
• "A diverse program with dance, satirical speeches (Büttenreden), and songs" — the classic carnival gala session mix

Sunday, February 8, 2026 — Children's Carnival with Nilsen

• Doors Open: 2:00 PM — Start: 3:11 PM
• Ticket: €7
• Highlight: Costume awards and performance by children's artist Nilsen

Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Party Session "Schräglage 11.0"

• Doors Open: 6:11 PM — Start: 7:11 PM
• Ticket: €15 advance, €20 at the door
• Live performance by Rumbombe + DJ — party format instead of a classic session, for the younger generation

Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Carnival Mass

• 11:11 AM — Carnival Mass as the religious component of the session

Monday, February 16, 2026 — Rose Monday Parade

• Grand Rose Monday parade through Raesfeld — the visual highlight of the session
• Carnival clubs, floats, marching bands, dance groups

RCV — Raesfelder Carnevals Verein

The Raesfelder Carnevals Verein (RCV) is the central organizer of Raesfeld Carnival. It organizes the gala session, the children's session, the "Schräglage" party session, and the Rose Monday parade. Tickets are available via [email protected] or through the club's online shop.

"Schräglage 11.0" — Bridging Generations

The "Schräglage 11.0" party session is a deliberate initiative by the RCV: moving away from the classic gala session with satirical speeches and guard dances, towards a party session with live bands like Rumbombe and a DJ. The format appeals to a younger carnival generation that may be less engaged with classic carnival session choreography. The name "Schräglage" (meaning "tilted position" or "awkward angle") with its version numbering ("11.0" — also an allusion to the carnival number 11) signals: Carnival is always in motion.

Nilsen — The Children's Artist

At the children's carnival on February 8, children's artist Nilsen will be on stage. He is one of the well-known acts for children's carnival events in Western Germany, offering a mix of music, comedy, and interactive programs — perfect for costumed children and their parents.

Raesfeld — Münsterland Carnival

Raesfeld (approx. 11,500 inhabitants) is a municipality in the Borken district in western Münsterland. It is primarily known for Schloss Raesfeld — one of the most beautiful moated castles in Münsterland (now an academy for craft trades). In terms of carnival, Raesfeld is integrated into the Rhenish-Westphalian carnival scene, with its own carnival societies and an active session. The neighboring town of Schermbeck (Wesel district) also has its own carnival structures — both places celebrate in proximity.