Prunksitzung Derkemer Grawler

The Prunksitzung as a Palatinate Carnival Tradition

The Prunksitzung is the most venerable form of organized Carnival and has a particularly long tradition in the Palatinate region. While street Carnival is spontaneous and exuberant, the Prunksitzung is structured, artfully staged, and follows a fixed program. Dance guards in traditional uniforms, 'Büttenredner' with politically and socially pointed humor, show dance groups, committees, and male and female singing groups alternate in quick succession. The audience sways, laughs, applauds, and is an active part of the session.

5:11 PM in the Salierhalle

The session begins at 5:11 PM – the symbolic allusion to the jesters' number 11. The Salierhalle, one of Bad Dürkheim's large event halls, offers ample space for several hundred visitors. Festively decorated with flags, pennants, lights, and Carnival symbolism, it transforms into a jester's stronghold for the evening. The tables are festively set, often featuring specialties like 'Saumagen', bratwurst platters, and Palatinate wines.

The Program Elements

The program of a typical Prunksitzung follows a proven sequence: Opening with the entrance of the guards and the 'Tollitäten' (Carnival Prince and Princess), welcome by the session president, then a dense sequence of dance performances (march dance, show dance, guard dance), 'Büttenreden' (often in Palatinate dialect), musical interludes, show dances, and jester-like performances. Breaks for refreshments and socializing structure the evening. Highlights include the performances of the honorary guards and renowned 'Büttenredner'.

Carnival Run on the Same Day

A sporting special: On the same day, February 7th, 2026, starting at 12:30 PM, the 22nd Bad Dürkheim Carnival Run takes place in the stadium – a humorous running event in which hundreds of athletes participate in Carnival costumes. This sporting variant of Carnival is a unique format that combines sport and 'Fasching' culture and has a firm place in Bad Dürkheim's Carnival calendar.