Karnevalszug Overath

Karnevalszug Overath 2026 — Bergisch Carnival Highlight

On Carnival Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 3 PM, the traditional Karnevalszug Overath parades through the Bergisch town. Assembly of participants from 1 PM, start from the railway crossing on Dr.-Ringens-Straße. The organizer is the Interessengemeinschaft Karnevalszug Overath e.V., a voluntary association of local carnival societies, clubs, and dedicated citizens.

2026 Parade Route

The parade traditionally follows the route:

1. Start: Dr.-Ringens-Straße (railway crossing)
2. Im Auel
3. Jahnstraße
4. Propsteistraße
5. Hauptstraße
6. Return to Dr.-Ringens-Straße

Assembly begins at 1 PM — participants line up their floats and walking groups at the railway crossing towards Im Auel. The parade starts exactly at 3 PM.

Program

What to see in the parade

• Floats from Overath carnival societies and neighboring municipalities
• Walking groups from clubs, companies, and schools with witty themes
• Music bands and drum corps from the Bergisches Land region
• Children's and youth groups from Overath schools
• Dance groups with Funkenmariechen and dance corps

What spectators can expect

• Kamelle — candies, pralines, chocolates
• Strüssje — small bouquets of flowers
• Small plush toys and balls
• Promotional gifts from sponsors
• Bergisch carnival tradition with "Alaaf!" shouts

Registration for Participants

Anyone wishing to participate in the parade with their own walking group, float, or music band can register until January 27, 2026:

• Form on igkarnevalszugoverath.de
• Online registration via pplan.app/zug/index.php?club=overath
• Email to [email protected]

Important: TÜV inspection for floats is required, organized through TÜV Rheinland Engelskirchen (appointments early to mid-January 2026).

Preparation Schedule 2026

• January 7, 2026: Start of house collection
• January 9, 2026: Collection boxes set up at various locations in Overath
• Early to mid-January 2026: TÜV inspections for floats
• January 27, 2026: Final registration deadline
• January 29, 2026, 7 PM: Parade leaders' meeting at the Bürgerhaus
• February 15, 2026, 3 PM: Carnival parade

IG Karnevalszug Overath e.V. — The Organizer

The IG Karnevalszug Overath e.V. is the voluntary association of Overath carnival societies and clubs that have been organizing the parade together for years. Without this association, the annual major event would not be possible. Donations and memberships are welcome. Contact for general inquiries: [email protected].

Bergisch Carnival Traditions

Bergisch Carnival has its very own tradition — characterized by smaller, more locally rooted carnival societies and shorter, more intimate parades than in Cologne or Düsseldorf. In Overath, one of the largest towns in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, the carnival parade is supported by the entire town — schools, clubs, sports teams, church communities, and families build floats or walking groups. The annual Carnival Sunday parade is one of the most important city events of the year.

Overath — A Bergisch Town with its Own Identity

The town of Overath, with around 27,000 inhabitants, is located in the southern Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, on the Agger river. It comprises numerous districts, including Overath-Mitte (capital), Vilkerath, Heiligenhaus, and Steinenbrück. With its mix of Bergisch hilly landscape, medieval market traditions, and a vibrant carnival scene, Overath is one of the liveliest medium-sized towns in the Bergisches Land.