Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen — Alekärjer Gipfeltreffen
Grand Carnival Parade of Altenkirchen Town on Tulip Sunday under the motto Alekärjer Gipfeltreffen
About Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen
Karnevalsgesellschaft Altenkirchen 1972 e.V.
The Karnevalsgesellschaft Altenkirchen 1972 e.V. — or KG AK for short — is the central carnival society of the district town of Altenkirchen in the Westerwald. It organises the annual carnival season with gala sessions, costume balls, children's carnival, and the grand carnival parade on Tulip Sunday. Founded in 1972, it is one of the younger major carnival societies in the region, but has quickly become an important cultural player.
Alekärjer Gipfeltreffen — Motto 2026
The 2026 session motto is 'Alekärjer Gipfeltreffen', a humorous nod to Altenkirchen's self-image as the region's central meeting point. 'Alekärjer' is the dialect form for 'Altenkirchener' (people from Altenkirchen), and 'Gipfeltreffen' (summit meeting) refers both to the town's geographical elevation and the carnival parade's significance as the social peak of the society's year. The motto permeates the session's decorations, float designs, and the costumes of the dance troupes.
Princess Andrea II.
The 2026 session is represented by Princess Andrea II. and her court. In Altenkirchen, princes and princesses traditionally alternate, giving each session its own unique character. Princess Andrea II. appears with her lady-in-waiting, her adjutants, and the 'Elferrat' (council of eleven) at all official events of the session.
Parade Line-up 2:11 PM
The parade line-up is at 2:11 PM — the Rhenish carnival time with the jesters' number eleven. The parade consists of floats from local carnival clubs, costumed walking groups, dance troupes, and brass bands. Elaborately designed themed floats humorously and satirically address local, regional, and supra-regional topics. Members accompany the floats, throwing sweets and small gifts into the cheering crowd.
Parade Party in the 'Närrisches Festzelt'
After the parade, the grand parade party takes place in the 'Närrisches Festzelt' — usually on the Weyerdamm festival grounds. Here, the celebration continues late into the night with DJ sets, live music, and ample catering. The parade party is the social highlight of Tulip Sunday, bringing together participants from the parade clubs and spectators from the region.
Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen — edition 2026
2026 Programme
The key points are confirmed:
- 2:11 PM — Parade line-up in the town centre
- Following — Parade through Altenkirchen town centre with floats, walking groups, and brass bands
- Motto — Alekärjer Gipfeltreffen
- Princess Andrea II. with her court as the session couple
- After the parade — Parade party in the 'Närrisches Festzelt' at Weyerdamm festival grounds
Programme Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen 2026
Event Schedule
Morning
Arrival of participating clubs and float builders from the town and region. Assembly of floats at the line-up point, final preparations by float crews, walking groups, and dance troupes.
Midday
Welcome of float builders by KG Altenkirchen and Princess Andrea II., distribution of starting numbers, line-up in the designated order along the planned route.
2:11 PM — Parade Start
Opening of the parade by the parade leader, commencement of movement through the town centre. Floats, walking groups, dance troupes, and brass bands pass by dense rows of spectators. Throwing of 'Kamelle' (sweets) and 'Strüßjer' (small bouquets).
Late Afternoon
Dispersal of the parade at the endpoint. Transition of the festive gathering to the Weyerdamm festival grounds.
Evening — Parade Party in the 'Närrisches Festzelt'
Grand parade party in the marquee at Weyerdamm with DJ sets, live music, and performances by dance troupes. Catering with carnival specialities, beer, punch, and cocktails. Celebration until late into the night.
Detailed 2026 programme will be published shortly before the date on the KG Altenkirchen website kg-ak.de.
Highlights Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen 2026
- Largest carnival parade in the Altenkirchen district
- Session motto Alekärjer Gipfeltreffen with Princess Andrea II.
- Line-up at 2:11 PM with Rhenish carnival time
- Floats, walking groups, dance troupes, and brass bands
- Parade party in the 'Närrisches Festzelt' at Weyerdamm
Prices Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen 2026
Practical information — Karnevalsumzug Altenkirchen
Date and Time
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (Tulip Sunday), line-up at 2:11 PM.
Location
Altenkirchen town centre (Westerwald), 57610. Parade party in the 'Närrisches Festzelt' at Weyerdamm festival grounds.
Admission
Free for the parade. Admission is charged for the parade party in the marquee (typically €8-15 depending on advance booking).
Getting There
By car via the B 256 or the A 3 (exit Siegen-Süd, then B 62). Road closures will be in effect in the town centre during the parade.
Tips
Bring a costume and a bag for 'Kamelle' (sweets). Advance booking for the parade party is recommended.
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