Menden Carnival Parade Lindwurm

Carnival in the Sauerland — Menden Shows How

The Sauerland region is not traditionally seen as a Rhenish carnival stronghold. However, an independent carnival culture thrives in some district towns of the Sauerland — Menden is one of the most prominent. The town in the Märkischer Kreis district, located at the transition from the Ruhr area to the Sauerland, has organized its "Lindwurm" for decades as one of the largest carnival parades in South Westphalia. "Lindwurm" is the popular term for the long, snake-like carnival procession — and MKG Kornblumenblau fills this name with substance.

When: Tulip Sunday, February 15, 2026 — 2:00 PM

The 2026 Lindwurm starts on Tulip Sunday (the Sunday before Rose Monday), February 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The floats and groups will assemble from the morning on Schützenstraße. The parade proceeds through Menden's city center, ending in the pedestrian zone — the route is about 1.5 kilometers long.

30 Floats, 40 Walking Groups, Thousands of Revellers

The scale of the 2026 Lindwurm:

• approx. 30 floats with elaborate themed decorations — political satire, carnival motifs, club presentations
• over 40 walking groups with themed costumes — carnival clubs, schools, sports clubs, companies, initiatives
• Brass bands and drum corps from Menden, the Märkischer Kreis district, and neighboring Sauerland towns
• Thousands of spectators along the route — families, carnival societies from all over the region, day-trippers from Iserlohn, Hemer, Werl, Hagen

MKG Kornblumenblau — The Driving Force

The organizer is the Mendener Karnevalsgesellschaft Kornblumenblau e.V. With over 777 members, the MKG is one of the largest carnival societies in the Sauerland region by membership. Throughout the carnival year, the MKG organizes several galas, selection balls, a variety show, and the Tulip Sunday parade. The club's activities are broadly based: ladies' committee, men's brigade, dance troupes, juniors, children's carnival, drum corps.

Carnival Weekend in Menden

The Menden Carnival Weekend 2026 includes several events:

• Thursday-Friday: Galas of the MKG and smaller carnival clubs
• Saturday: Town Hall Storm (handover of the city to the carnivalists)
• Sunday, Feb 15: Tulip Sunday Lindwurm 2:00 PM
• Monday: Menden carnivalists' bus trip to the Cologne Rose Monday parade
• Tuesday: Violet Tuesday, closing events, Ash Wednesday fish fry

Menden (Sauerland) — District Town at the Hönne River Crossing

Menden is the district town of the Märkischer Kreis district, with around 53,000 inhabitants. The town is located at the transition from the Ruhr area to the Sauerland, on the river Hönne, south of Hamm and east of Hagen. Known for its historic old town with half-timbered houses, St. Vincenz Church, and the Cast Iron Museum. In carnival, Menden takes on the role of the South Westphalian capital — what Cologne and Düsseldorf are to the Rhineland, Menden is for the Märkischer Kreis in the carnival context.

Getting There and Tips

Menden (Sauerland) train station: RE 17 (Hagen–Menden), 5 min walk to the city center. By car: A46 exit Menden, parking in city center garages; however, road closures around Schützenstraße from 12:00 PM. Public transport highly recommended. Tip for the best view: positions along the main street in the pedestrian zone — the parade is densest here, and candy throws are concentrated at the main intersections.