Ossensamstag – Carnival Parade Osnabrück

Carnival, Lower Saxony Style

Ossensamstag impressively refutes the cliché that carnival is purely a Rhineland affair. For decades, Osnabrück has drawn thousands of revellers to the city centre on Carnival Saturday, proving that the 'fifth season' can be celebrated with gusto even in the predominantly Protestant region of Lower Saxony. The roots of Ossensamstag reach far back; the 48th edition will be celebrated in 2026.

From Kollegienwall to the Market Square

The parade starts at 2:11 PM at Kollegienwall at Neue Mühle and proceeds through the city centre with its historic buildings to the Market Square in front of the Town Hall. Over a route of approximately 90 minutes, spectators will witness the procession of decorated floats, guards, music bands, walking groups, and satirical floats addressing current political and social issues.

Family Zone on Schlagvorder Straße

The BOK places particular emphasis on the family zone on Schlagvorder Straße, which serves as a meeting point for families with children from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM before the parade begins. Here, families can wait for the parade in a protected area without having to navigate the main crowds.

Town Hall Storming and Closing Party

The climax, around 3:30 PM, is the traditional storming of the town hall on the Market Square: Carnival societies symbolically conquer the city administration, the Carnival President receives the city keys from the Mayor, and a DJ party concludes the day. Thousands of revellers continue to celebrate into the evening in the city centre.