Mainzer Straßenfastnacht — Weiberfastnacht

Weiberfastnacht: Originally Emancipatory, Today a Folk Festival

Weiberfastnacht has its roots in the Rhenish tradition where women symbolically take power for a day – for example, by cutting off men's ties. In Mainz, it is celebrated as the start of the street carnival and has developed into a major city festival with hundreds of thousands of visitors. The original emancipatory element has receded into the background, with the folk festival character dominating.

Schillerplatz as the Center

With the famous Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) at its center, Schillerplatz has been the symbolic heart of the Mainz street carnival for decades. On Weiberfastnacht, guilds, clubs, and thousands of costumed visitors gather here to celebrate the kick-off with sing-alongs, party music, and exuberant spirits.

Security Measures

Due to the expected crowds, extensive security measures will be in place in Mainz's historic center. A ban on glass applies throughout the entire restricted area – drinks will only be served in reusable or disposable cups. Additionally, a weapons ban is in effect; police and public order services will control access to the designated restricted zones. These measures have become increasingly stringent in recent years and are intended to ensure safety in the crowded squares.

Embedded in the Main Carnival Week

Weiberfastnacht 2026 falls on February 12. It marks the beginning of a week with a condensed carnival program: Friday and Saturday with neighborhood parades (e.g., in Hechtsheim and Finthen), Sunday with the famous Children and Youth Masked Parade, Rose Monday with the grand Rose Monday Parade, and Tuesday with the concluding neighborhood parades. Ash Wednesday marks the end of the campaign on February 18, 2026.