Großer historischer Narrensprung Oberndorf am Neckar

The Most Significant Shrove Tuesday on the Swabian Jura

In Oberndorf am Neckar, a small town in the Rottweil district at the transition from the Black Forest to the Swabian Jura, Shrove Tuesday is the highest holiday of the year. Even at dawn, the costume wearers of the Narrenzunft Oberndorf gather in the lower town, while fanfares and bells awaken the city. Precisely at 8:30 AM — and punctually means punctually — the Großer historischer Narrensprung gets underway. Over 2,000 masked participants, musicians, Bennerrössle, and Polizeischantle form the procession, winding its way in several loops through the lower town and later through the upper town.

The Figures of the Oberndorf Fasnet

The Oberndorf costume wearers are among the oldest and best-documented figures of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet. The Narro with his artfully carved wooden mask is the main figure, accompanied by the Schantle in their colorful fabric costumes. The Polizeischantle keep the procession in order — with a wink and a wooden saber, as real law enforcement officers are not needed on this day. The Bennerrössle — dancers in horse costumes — provide the folkloric touch and bring the old symbolism of the spring festival into the parade. In addition, there are the Hansel, the Narrensamen (young jesters), and the town band.

The Narrenreigen — The Climax

After the procession through the lower town, all costume wearers gather for the grand Narrenreigen — the most concentrated and ritualized moment of the day. The jesters form concentric circles and dance in choreographed steps to the music of the band. It is an archaic image that dates back to pre-Christian spring and expulsion rites and is hard to surpass in its authenticity. The midday jump at 2:30 PM in the upper town repeats the spectacle in a shortened form for latecomers and for tourists who arrive after lunch.

Oberndorf am Neckar — Fasnet Stronghold

Oberndorf am Neckar is located in the Rottweil district in southwestern Baden-Württemberg, at the transition between the Central Black Forest and the Swabian Jura. The town, with its approximately 13,500 inhabitants, is primarily known for its arms production (Mauser, Heckler & Koch) — and for its Fasnet. The greater Rottweil area — Rottweiler Narrensprung on Shrove Monday, Oberndorfer Narrensprung on Shrove Tuesday — is considered one of the densest Fasnet regions in Germany. Anyone who gets caught up in the magic of the historical Narrensprung understands why the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014.