Mainzer Fastnacht — Stadtteilumzug Drais

Drais: Mainz's Smallest District

Mainz-Drais is located in the far west of Mainz and borders Lerchenberg and the city of Wiesbaden. With about 3,500 inhabitants, Drais is the smallest Mainz district and has largely preserved its village character, shaped by agriculture and small craft businesses. This manageable size also characterizes the Fastnacht celebration: most participants and spectators know each other here, and the parade is more like a large family reunion than a tourist spectacle.

Fastnacht Tuesday as a Festive Finale

Fastnacht Tuesday – also known as "Veilchendienstag" in Mainz dialect – is the traditional closing day of the campaign. While the city center recovers from the Rose Monday parade, the guards and decorated floats parade once more in some suburbs. Drais shares this day with Mombach, whose parade starts a little later in the afternoon. Those who wish to attend both can bridge the short distance by public transport.

Guards, Floats, and District Pride

The Drais parade is organized by local carnival clubs, often in cooperation with sports clubs, the fire department, and schools from the district. The floats address both national and state political issues as well as typical Drais topics – disputes over the village center, construction projects, traffic discussions – with affectionate self-irony. Guards present their dances, drum corps provide music, and throwing items are distributed generously.

Family-Friendly, Without Crowds

For families with children and for anyone seeking the neighborly Fastnacht spirit without the stress of a major event, the Drais parade is a deliberate choice. The paths to the bus stop are short, the parade route is manageable, and after the parade, the clubhouses and local pubs open for a festive conclusion.