Nachtumzug Alf
Edition 2026 Folk traditions Folklore Family

Nachtumzug Alf

Carnival procession by torchlight

Alf — Landkreis Cochem-Zell (07135)
Dates 14 Feb — 14 Feb 2026
Venue Alf (07135)
Prices Free
Status

About Nachtumzug Alf

The Nachtumzug (night procession) in Alf is a special feature among the carnival processions in the Untermosel region: instead of on Sunday afternoon, the procession moves through the Moselle village in the dark, led by torches, illuminated floats, and music bands. The nocturnal atmosphere lends the procession a special, almost mystical ambiance, distinguishing it from the classic daytime processions in neighboring towns. Carnival clubs, walking groups, and floats from Alf and the surrounding area parade through the main street, bringing the village into a festive mood. After the procession, the village continues to celebrate late into the night in the pubs and the festival tent.

Travel to this festival

Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Nachtumzug Alf al mejor precio.

Book a trip on Trainline

Sponsored link

Carnival along the Moselle is deeply rooted and shapes the 'fifth season' between Koblenz and Trier with countless galas, balls, and processions. While most towns hold their carnival processions on Carnival Sunday or Rose Monday in the afternoon, Alf has its own tradition: the Nachtumzug.

The Nachtumzug traditionally takes place on the Saturday before the carnival weekend in the evening. The floats are equipped with fairy lights, spotlights, and generators, turning them into floating light sculptures in the darkness. Torchbearers and illuminated music bands enhance the nocturnal atmosphere. The route leads through Alf's main street, past the old village center and along the Moselle riverbank.

Participants include carnival clubs from Alf, Bullay, Ediger-Eller, and other Moselle towns between Cochem and Zell. The floats humorously and self-ironically address local topics, political events, and social phenomena. Majorettes, marching bands, and show groups provide entertainment along the route.

After the procession, the festive activities move to the pubs, clubhouses, and the festival tent. The celebration continues late into the night with Moselle wine, beer, and carnival music. Those seeking a unique carnival experience away from the big cities will find the Nachtumzug Alf a special blend of folk tradition and atmospheric staging.

Nachtumzug Alf — edition 2026

On Carnival Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Nachtumzug will parade through Alf's main street in the evening. Illuminated floats, torchbearers, music bands, carnival clubs, and walking groups from Alf and neighboring towns will create an extraordinary carnival atmosphere in the darkness. After the procession, the festive mood continues in the pubs and the festival tent late into the night.

The 2026 Nachtumzug starts on Carnival Saturday evening. The exact assembly time, route, and start will be announced by the Alf Carnival Club a few weeks before the date. It is recommended to arrive some time before the procession begins to secure a good vantage point along the route.

Programme Nachtumzug Alf 2026

The exact 2026 program will be published by the Alf Carnival Club in January. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:

  • Late Afternoon: Assembly of floats and walking groups at the village entrance.
  • Evening: Procession through the main street in the dark, with illuminated floats, torchbearers, music bands, and show groups.
  • After the Procession: Festive activities in the pubs, clubhouses, and the festival tent with carnival music until late at night.

Highlights Nachtumzug Alf 2026

Highlights: Carnival procession in the dark with illuminated floats, torchbearers and torchlight along the route, music bands and majorettes, participation of carnival clubs from Alf, Bullay, Ediger-Eller, and neighboring towns, carnival celebration in pubs and festival tent after the procession.

Prices Nachtumzug Alf 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Nachtumzug Alf

Getting there: By train to Bullay (opposite Moselle bank), then take the passenger ferry or a short walk across the bridge to Alf. By car via the B49.

Admission: Free. Good vantage points along the main street.

Tip: Fancy dress is encouraged. Warm clothing recommended in February – evening temperatures on the Moselle in winter can be quite chilly.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Spotted an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Contact Nachtumzug Alf

Nachtumzug Alf at a glance

Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Night Landkreis Cochem-Zell