Kassel Carnival Parade and Town Hall Storming

Carnival in North Hesse — yes, it exists

Unlike the traditional carnival strongholds of the Rhineland, North Hesse is not a classic Fastnacht (carnival) region. But Kassel has its carnival — one that mobilizes thousands every year. Behind the parade is the Gemeinschaft Kasseler Karnevalgesellschaften e. V. (GKK), an association of all Kassel carnival societies.

45 Parade Groups, 500 Participants

The parade starts on Carnival Saturday at 12:11 PM at Friedrichsplatz. Around 45 parade groups with approximately 500 participants will march with themed floats, in walking groups, and on decorated vehicles through the city center. About 15,000 visitors line the streets — children, families, carnival enthusiasts from the city and the surrounding region.

Route through Kassel City Center

The route leads from Friedrichsplatz via Oberste Gasse, past the Martinskirche, across Königstraße and Königsplatz to the Town Hall. The route is about one kilometer long, with the first floats expected to reach the town hall around 12:45 PM.

The Town Hall Storming

The highlight: the Town Hall Storming. Once all floats and walking groups have arrived at the town hall, the Kassel Prince and Princess storm the town hall steps and symbolically demand the city keys from the Lord Mayor. The mayor and city councilors traditionally offer humorous resistance — and ultimately lose. The city keys are handed over, and carnival has officially taken over the city.

What Distinguishes Kassel from Cologne

Kassel's carnival is more family-oriented, more local, and less touristy than Cologne or Mainz. The parade is free, and the city center is closed to cars. Public transport bus routes will be rerouted (Info: Kasseler Verkehrs- und Versorgungs-GmbH).