Mainzer Saalfastnacht — MCC/MCV Joint Session

One Session, Two Traditional Clubs

Mainz Fastnacht thrives on its strong club system. Over 55 clubs present more than 222 of their own events each campaign on the city's stages. Within this diversity, the MCC/MCV Joint Session holds a special position because it brings together two of the oldest and most influential clubs: the Mainzer Carneval-Verein (founded 1838) and the Mainzer Carneval-Club (founded 1899). For over 125 years, both clubs have shaped Mainz's Fastnacht culture and unite their traditions with this joint session.

Session Dramaturgy at the Highest Level

The joint session follows the classic dramaturgy of a major Mainz session. Set within the festive hall of the Rheingoldhalle, speeches (Büttenreden), dance performances by the clubs' own guards (Garden), show acts, and musical contributions alternate in a dense, multi-hour choreography. The order is moderated by the session presidents of both clubs; the committee with standard bearers and guards forms the festive framework.

Saalfastnacht as an Art Form

For decades, Mainz Saalfastnacht has been an art form in itself: highly precise Büttenreden that capture political current events in dense verses; dance performances that oscillate between historical guard dances and modern choreography; musical contributions that combine traditional repertoire with contemporary punchlines. This mix is what makes it appealing – and it can be experienced in a particularly concentrated form at the MCC/MCV Joint Session.

Embedded in the 2026 Campaign

The session is part of the packed Mainz 2026 campaign under the motto „Die Hofsänger im Gold'nen Mainz – seit 100 Jahr'n die Nummer 1" (The Court Singers in Golden Mainz – Number 1 for 100 Years), which honors the 100th anniversary of the Mainzer Hofsänger. It is part of a series that begins with the New Year's parade on January 1st and ends with Ash Wednesday on February 18th, 2026.