Mechtersheim Carnival Parade (Lochhewwel Parade)

The Mechtersheim Carnival Parade – also known as the Lochhewwel Parade – is one of the most important carnival events in the municipality of Römerberg and, with its date on Shrove Tuesday, complements the numerous carnival parades in the southern Vorderpfalz region.

Mechtersheimer Karnevalverein 1956 e.V.

The organizer is the Mechtersheimer Karnevalverein 1956 e.V., which – as the name suggests – has been cultivating the carnival tradition in the Mechtersheim district since 1956. 2026 thus marks the 70th club anniversary. Together with the Ortskartell Mechtersheim – an association of local clubs – the club organizes the parade and the supporting program.

Parade Start at 2:11 PM

The carnival parade starts punctually at 2:11 PM – a typical carnival time – and winds its way through the Mechtersheim town center. Floats, walking groups, music bands, and guards from Römerberg, the neighboring communities, and the entire region participate. Sweets, "Strüssjer" (small bouquets), and promotional gifts are thrown into the crowd, and carnival-goers in costumes line the parade route.

"Lochhewwel" as Carnival Identity

The nickname "Lochhewwel Parade" refers to the traditional nickname of the Mechtersheim inhabitants. "Lochhewwel" comes from the Palatinate dialect and can be freely translated as "hole dwellers" or "hole lifters" – a humorous reference to old occupational titles or local historical peculiarities. The summer fair (Kerwe) in Mechtersheim is also called "Lochhewwel-Kerwe", which shows the strong anchoring of this nickname in the local identity.

Supporting Program in the Rhein-Pfalz-Halle

The carnival parade on Tuesday is embedded in a complete carnival weekend program in the Rhein-Pfalz-Halle Römerberg:

• Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 8:11 PM: Ramba Zamba Faschingsparty – the big carnival party for adults with DJ, live music, and party hits.
• Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:11 PM: Children's Carnival – family-friendly program with children's disco, interactive activities, and costume competition.
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 2:11 PM: Lochhewwel Carnival Parade through the Mechtersheim town center.

Mechtersheim as a District of Römerberg

Mechtersheim, along with Berghausen and Heiligenstein, is one of the three districts of the municipality of Römerberg, which was formed in 1969 by the merger of the three villages. The Mechtersheim Carnival Club and the Ortskartell actively cultivate the district's own identity, which is particularly evident in the carnival and the Lochhewwel-Kerwe.