Mainzer Straßenfastnacht — Weiberfastnacht
Kick-off of the Mainz Street Carnival on February 12, 2026, focusing on Schillerplatz – Campaign "100 Years Hofsänger"
About Weiberfastnacht Mainz
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.
Weiberfastnacht Mainz — edition 2026
The detailed program of guilds and show acts at the various squares will be communicated in advance by the Mainzer Carneval-Verein and the City of Mainz. Experience shows that public life begins in the late morning and culminates in the afternoon.
Programme Weiberfastnacht Mainz 2026
The program follows the established key points:
- Morning: first costumed visitors arrive in the city center, opening of wine, beer, and snack stands
- 11:11 AM: traditional opening of the street carnival at Schillerplatz with a short program at the Fastnachtsbrunnen
- Afternoon: peak of the street carnival – guilds parade through the historic center, smaller performances at various squares, exuberant atmosphere with sing-alongs and music
- Early Evening: transition to pub and hall carnival; some stands start packing up, others remain open
- Restricted Zones: designated areas with access control, ban on glass and weapons, visible presence of police and public order services
- Late Evening: gradual winding down, transition into the night
Highlights Weiberfastnacht Mainz 2026
Prices Weiberfastnacht Mainz 2026
Free entry. Food and drinks are subject to charge.
Practical information — Weiberfastnacht Mainz
Getting There
Mainz Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station). Public transport strongly recommended – city center car-free or heavily restricted during peak times.
Date
February 12, 2026, all day, focus from noon to evening.
Security
Ban on glass, ban on weapons, restricted zones. Carry ID if necessary.
Food & Drink
Wine, beer, and snack stands throughout the city center.
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