Nachtumzug Fastnacht Merzalben (11th Night Parade)

A Night Parade with its Own Character

There are many daytime parades in the Palatinate – the Merzalwer Nachtumzug has established itself since its first edition as one of the few purely evening formats in the region. It is precisely this staging in the darkness that makes it special: the elaborately decorated floats are fully illuminated, light effects, LED costumes, pyrotechnic elements, and sound systems transform the procession into a moving show.

Merzalwer Burgnarre e.V. as Organizer

Behind the parade is the association Merzalwer Burgnarre, which organizes an entire carnival season in Merzalben – gala sessions, hall carnival, children's carnival, and the night parade as the annual highlight. The Burgnarre follow the tradition of Palatinate carnival associations and maintain the connection to the nearby Gräfenstein Castle ruins, one of the most beautiful Staufen castles in the Westpfalz.

Start 7:11 PM Main Street

The symbolic starting time of 7:11 PM is a Palatinate carnival tradition – the number eleven is the 'foolish number' in carnival. The procession moves along Merzalben's main street, past densely packed crowds, to the Kerweplatz, which serves as the endpoint and festival grounds. Road closures will be communicated in advance.

After-Party on the Kerweplatz

Following the parade, the after-party starts on the Kerweplatz. Catering stands run by associations, a DJ stage, and heated pavilions ensure a lively atmosphere until late into the night. Carnival hits, Palatinate Schlager, and party music combine to create a classic Fasching mood – just outdoors and in the Palatinate Forest.

Attraction of the Westpfalz

With tens of thousands of visitors in recent years, the Merzalwer Nachtumzug is one of the most popular Fasching dates in the Westpfalz. Fools travel from Pirmasens, Kaiserslautern, the Dahn Felsenland, and the neighboring Saarland by special buses and carpools.