Carnival Parades Grafschaft (Ringen, Gelsdorf, Esch, etc.)
Seven carnival parades in the districts of the municipality of Grafschaft throughout the entire carnival week
About Carnival Parades Grafschaft
Carnival Stronghold Grafschaft
The municipality of Grafschaft consists of numerous districts, stretching across a fertile ridge north of the Ahr Valley. Almost every one of these villages hosts its own carnival parade, resulting in a remarkable density of parades throughout the carnival week. This tradition is kept alive by the close-knit club structure of the villages and the Rhineland carnival spirit that characterizes the transition from the Ahr Valley to the Voreifel.
Seven Parades in Carnival Week
The parades kick off on Carnival Sunday, February 12, 2026, with Bölingen starting at 2:11 PM and Gelsdorf at 2:22 PM. On the same day, Nierendorf's parade follows at 3:11 PM. On Carnival Friday, February 13, the Lantershofen parade winds through the village starting at 3:11 PM. Carnival Saturday, February 14, belongs to Esch, starting at 1:11 PM. On Tulip Sunday, February 15, Ringen follows at 2:11 PM. The grand finale is Eckendorf on Rosenmontag, February 16, starting at 11:11 AM.
Symbolism of Carnival Times
The start times in Grafschaft all follow the Rhineland carnival symbolism with the number eleven—from 11:11 AM (Eckendorf) to 1:11 PM, 2:11 PM, 2:22 PM, and 3:11 PM. The number eleven is considered the jesters' number in Rhineland carnival and is omnipresent in the opening of sessions, club events, and parade formations.
Village Carnival with Character
The carnival clubs of Grafschaft's districts maintain their own style with elaborately built floats, dance troupes, music bands, and costumed walking groups. The floats are built throughout the year in the float halls, with themes humorously addressing local topics, village stories, and supra-regional allusions. After the parades, the celebrations continue in the village halls, often late into the night.
Carnival Enthusiasts on the Move
Those who wish to experience all seven Grafschaft carnival parades should plan a stay of Thursday to Rosenmontag in the region. Accommodation is available in Grafschaft and the neighboring town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The villages are accessible via country roads; a car makes switching between locations easier.
Carnival Parades Grafschaft — edition 2026
Program 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizers in the spring. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- Thu 12.02. — Gelsdorf 2:22 PM, Nierendorf 3:11 PM
- Fri 13.02. — Lantershofen 3:11 PM
- Sat 14.02. — Esch 1:11 PM
- Sun 15.02. — Ringen 2:11 PM
- Mon 16.02. — Eckendorf 11:11 AM
- Accompanying events — Carnival parties in the village halls after the parades
Symbolism of the Number Eleven
All start times follow the Rhineland jesters' number eleven, a central element of Rhineland carnival traditions.
Programme Carnival Parades Grafschaft 2026
Event Schedule
Weiberfastnacht Feb 12 — Gelsdorf and Nierendorf
First parades of the carnival week in Grafschaft. Start Gelsdorf 2:22 PM, Nierendorf 3:11 PM. Floats, walking groups, and music bands parade through the village centers.
Carnival Friday Feb 13 — Lantershofen
Start 3:11 PM, parade through the district of Lantershofen.
Carnival Saturday Feb 14 — Esch
Start 1:11 PM, parade through the district of Esch. Starts earlier than the other parades, allowing carnival enthusiasts to arrive easily.
Tulip Sunday Feb 15 — Ringen
Start 2:11 PM, parade through the district of Ringen. One of the larger parades in Grafschaft.
Rosenmontag Feb 16 — Eckendorf
Start 11:11 AM, an early morning parade to conclude the Grafschaft carnival week. An unusual morning start time as a special feature.
The detailed 2026 program will be published shortly before the dates on the websites of the local carnival clubs.
Highlights Carnival Parades Grafschaft 2026
- 7 carnival parades in the Grafschaft districts throughout the entire carnival week
- Start times according to the Rhineland jesters' number (11:11 AM, 1:11 PM, 2:11 PM, etc.)
- Eckendorf as a rare morning parade on Rosenmontag
- Free admission in all villages
- Carnival parties in the village halls after the parades
Prices Carnival Parades Grafschaft 2026
Practical information — Carnival Parades Grafschaft
Dates and Times
- Thu 12.02.2026 — Gelsdorf 2:22 PM, Nierendorf 3:11 PM (Weiberfastnacht)
- Sun 12.02.2026 — Bölingen 2:11 PM (see organizer, possibly Tulip Sunday variant)
- Fri 13.02.2026 — Lantershofen 3:11 PM
- Sat 14.02.2026 — Esch 1:11 PM
- Sun 15.02.2026 — Ringen 2:11 PM (Tulip Sunday)
- Mon 16.02.2026 — Eckendorf 11:11 AM (Rosenmontag)
Locations
Districts Bölingen, Gelsdorf, Nierendorf, Lantershofen, Esch, Ringen, and Eckendorf in the municipality of Grafschaft, Ahrweiler district.
Admission
Freely accessible along the parade routes.
Getting There
By car via the A 61, exit Meckenheim or Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, then via country roads to the Grafschaft districts. Public transport is limited.
Tips
Those who want to experience multiple parades should plan overnight stays in the region. Dates should be checked with the local carnival clubs if necessary.
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