Karnevalsumzug Wissen (Shrove Tuesday)
Grand Shrove Tuesday Parade of KG Wissen 1856 e.V. — one of the largest carnival parades in the Westerwald and Siegerland regions
About Karnevalsumzug Wissen
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KG Wissen 1856 e.V. — Over 170 Years of Tradition
The Karnevalsgesellschaft Wissen 1856 e.V. was founded in 1856, making it one of the oldest carnival associations in Rhineland-Palatinate. Over 170 years of club history have made Wissener Karneval one of the most defining carnival traditions in the north of the state. KG Wissen organizes the entire carnival season, from the opening of the session in November to Shrove Tuesday, with gala sessions, costume balls, children's carnival, and the grand carnival parade.
Shrove Tuesday as the Main Parade Day
Unlike in many other Rhenish carnival strongholds, the main Wissen parade does not take place on Rose Monday but on Shrove Tuesday — a peculiarity that Wissen shares with other strongholds like Sinzig and some Eifel towns. This timing makes the Wissen parade a valued destination for carnival enthusiasts looking for another full carnival experience after the hustle and bustle of Rose Monday.
54 Floats and Walking Groups
The 2026 parade is expected to include 54 floats and walking groups — an impressive number that underscores the importance of Wissen's carnival. Carnival societies from Wissen, the Westerwald, the Siegerland, and the Cologne-Bonn area are represented. Elaborately designed themed floats, costumed walking groups, dance troupes, brass bands, and music groups form the festive procession.
City Center Closure from 8:00 AM
Due to the extensive efforts for setup, parade staging, and security measures, the city center of Wissen will be closed to traffic from 8:00 AM on Shrove Tuesday. Residents and carnival fans are encouraged to use public transport and alternative parking facilities on the outskirts of the city.
Carnival Tradition in the Wisserland
Wissen is located in the so-called Wisserland — a region in the north of the Altenkirchen district that cultivates its own carnival tradition. The Karnevalsumzug Wissen is the highlight of a dense Wisserland carnival season, which includes the gala sessions of KG Wissen, children's carnival, and several smaller parades in the surrounding towns.
Karnevalsumzug Wissen — edition 2026
2026 Program
The key dates are confirmed:
- 8:00 AM — City center closure for setup
- Morning — Arrival of floats and groups, staging
- Afternoon — Parade start in Rhenish carnival tradition (staging typically at 2:11 PM)
- Expected 54 floats and walking groups
- After the parade — Carnival parties in Wissen's pubs and tents
Programme Karnevalsumzug Wissen 2026
Event Schedule
Morning — City Center Closure and Setup
From 8:00 AM, the city center of Wissen is closed to traffic. The first float builders arrive, and the route is prepared with barriers and marshals. Medical services, police, and security personnel take their positions.
Late Morning — Arrival of Floats
Participating carnival societies from Wissen, the Westerwald, the Siegerland, and the Cologne-Bonn area arrive with their floats at the staging area. 54 floats and walking groups are lined up in order.
Afternoon — Parade Staging and Start
Distribution of start numbers, lineup in the designated order. Welcome by KG Wissen 1856 e.V. Parade start in Rhenish carnival tradition with a symbolic carnival time (typically 2:11 PM).
Afternoon — Parade Route
The festive procession moves through the city center of Wissen. Floats, walking groups, dance troupes, and brass bands pass by dense rows of spectators. Throwing of candy (Kamelle), bouquets (Strüßjer), and small gifts to the cheering crowd.
Late Afternoon — Parade Dissolution
Dissolution of the parade at the end point. Floats return to their clubhouses.
Evening — Carnival Parties
Carnival parties in Wissen's pubs and tents with live music and DJ sets. Celebrations late into the night for the last major carnival event of the season.
The detailed 2026 program will be published shortly before the event on the KG Wissen website: kg-wissen.info.
Highlights Karnevalsumzug Wissen 2026
- One of the largest carnival parades in the Westerwald and Siegerland regions
- Shrove Tuesday as a special date, differing from Rose Monday
- KG Wissen 1856 e.V. — over 170 years of carnival tradition
- Expected 54 floats and walking groups
- City center closure from 8:00 AM
Prices Karnevalsumzug Wissen 2026
Practical information — Karnevalsumzug Wissen
Date
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Shrove Tuesday).
Location
Wissen City Center, 57537 Wissen. Road closures from 8:00 AM.
Admission
Free access along the entire parade route.
Getting There
By train via the Sieg line (RB 90 Au-Sieg-Siegen) to Wissen (Sieg) — public transport highly recommended due to city center closures. By car via the B 62, use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts.
Tips
Bring a costume, a bag for candy (Kamelle), and cash for mulled wine. Family-friendly spots along the route.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Karnevalsumzug Wissen al mejor precio.
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