MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools — 100 Years of Mainzer Hofsänger
MCV's Gala Session for the 100th Anniversary of the Mainzer Hofsänger
About MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools 2026
The Mainzer Hofsänger are an institution of the Meenzer Fassenacht. Founded in 1926, they have shaped the musical landscape of Mainz's hall sessions, the Rosenmontag parade, and the Mainz Carnival as a whole for a century. Their repertoire ranges from classic Mainz carnival songs like 'Heile Heile Gänsje' and 'Im Mer im Pfälzischen Wein' to the anthem 'Vom Rhein' and newer original compositions, enriching each campaign with their own current songs. With the 100th anniversary in 2026, a central chapter of Mainz carnival history is being celebrated — and the MCV dedicates its 2nd Grand Session of Fools to this tribute.
The Congress Hall of the Rheingoldhalle, with over 1,500 seats, is one of the largest halls in the city and provides a backdrop befitting an anniversary session of this magnitude. The session begins at 4:11 PM on Carnival Sunday afternoon — an earlier start time by Mainz standards, deliberately bridging hall and street carnival: those attending the session can leave in time to immerse themselves in the Mainz street carnival in the evening.
The program combines the classic elements of the MCV's Grand Session of Fools with the special anniversary character. The Mainzer Hofsänger are not just guests but the focus: they open the session with one of their great classics, perform in several blocks, present new original compositions for the anniversary, and provide the emotional climax of the session with their anthem. The program is complemented by political and socio-critical 'Bütt' speeches, performances by the Mainz guards with show dances and committee marches, sketches, and musical guest appearances. Dignitaries from the city and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate traditionally participate, and the MCV committee in full regalia moderates and guides the evening.
The 2nd Grand Session of Fools is the highlight of the Mainz Carnival season in the narrower sense. With the anniversary motto '100 Years of Mainzer Hofsänger', the evening in 2026 becomes a tribute to a singing group that has significantly shaped the identity of the Meenzer Fassenacht. Tickets are highly sought after and usually sell out weeks before the session.
MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools 2026 — edition 2026
The 2026 anniversary gala night follows a special dramaturgy. After admission starting at 3 PM, the session begins punctually at 4:11 PM with the entry of the committee and a festive opening by the Mainzer Hofsänger in full formation. This is followed by the registration of honored guests, a look back at 100 years of Hofsänger history, and the opening block. For several hours, blocks by the Hofsänger, political 'Bütt' speeches, guard show dances, sketches, and musical contributions alternate. The emotional climax late in the evening will be the joint performance of the Mainzer Hofsänger anthem, followed by the closing block and the exit of the committee.
Programme MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools 2026 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Rheingoldhalle Congress Hall
- 3:00 PM — Admission, welcome champagne
- 4:11 PM — Entry of the committee, Narrhalla March
- 4:25 PM — Opening block by the Mainzer Hofsänger for the anniversary
- 5:00 PM — Registration of honored guests, review of 100 years of Hofsänger
- 5:30 PM — Political 'Bütt' speech
- 6:00 PM — Guard show dance
- 6:30 PM — Intermission
- 7:00 PM — Second Hofsänger block with original compositions
- 7:30 PM — Climax 'Bütt' speech
- 8:00 PM — Grand show block with MCV artists and guests
- 8:45 PM — Intermission
- 9:15 PM — Final block: Mainzer Hofsänger anthem in gala formation
- 10:00 PM — Closing block, exit of the committee
The exact 2026 program will be published by the MCV in February. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years.
Highlights MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools 2026 2026
- Anniversary session for the 100th birthday of the Mainzer Hofsänger
- Several Hofsänger blocks with classics and original compositions
- Political 'Bütt' speeches and guard show dance
- Gala night in the Congress Hall of the Rheingoldhalle
- Highlight of the 2026 Mainz hall carnival season
Prices MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools 2026 2026
Practical information — MCV 2nd Grand Session of Fools 2026
Venue: Rheingoldhalle Mainz, Congress Hall, Rheinstraße 66, 55116 Mainz.
Getting there: Directly at the Rheingoldhalle / Schloss stop (Trams 50, 51, 53; Bus lines 6, 9, 28, 54–58, 68, 71, 90, 91). Rheingoldhalle car park directly at the venue.
Dress code: Tailcoat, tuxedo, dark suit, or festive evening gown. Guards in uniform.
Tickets: Via the MCV homepage, Mainz Congress, and Mainz ticket presales. High demand due to the anniversary, early booking recommended.
Notes: Membership in an association is not required. Photography and filming are restricted.
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