Prunksitzungen and Saalfastnacht KVE Dahn

The Karnevalverein Elwetritsche Dahn (KVE) is the central organizer of carnival culture in Dahn and its surroundings. Its name alludes to the Elwetritsche, the mythical Palatinate legendary creature, whose existence generations of outsiders were made to believe and which today serves as an ironic brand ambassador for the region. The KVE campaign 2025/2026 runs from the storming of the town hall in November to the burning of the carnival effigy in February.

Campaign 2026

The season officially starts on November 11, 2026, with the traditional Rathausstürmung (storming of the town hall), where the carnival-goers symbolically take over power in the town. This is followed by a series of indoor events in January and February: the grand Prunksitzung (gala carnival session) with satirical speeches (Büttenreden), dance troupes (Tanzgarden), show dances, ventriloquist acts, and live music; the Kinderprunksitzung (Children's Prunksitzung) as a family-friendly version with age-appropriate entertainment; the Guggemusikfestival with visiting Guggenmusik groups; and the Saalfastnacht (indoor carnival) as a social evening without a classic session program.

Palatinate Saalfastnacht

Unlike the Rhenish carnival traditions, the Palatinate Carnival is heavily influenced by dialect. Satirical speeches (Büttenreden) in Palatinate dialect, sketches with local references, dance troupes (Tanzgarden) in colorful uniforms, and a high proportion of live music make the Saalfastnacht a distinctive regional tradition. The KVE cultivates this tradition with its own dance troupe (Garde), its own performers, and a dedicated audience that fills the halls every year.

Highlight: Gaudiwurm

The highlight of the KVE campaign is the famous Gaudiwurm, the grand carnival parade through Dahn on Carnival Sunday. In 2026, the 58th edition of the Gaudiwurm will take place on February 15. The indoor events lead up to this climax and serve as preparation for the performers and emotional buildup for the audience.