Ravensburger Fasnet — Großer Narrensprung

Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet — the Ravensburg variant

The Ravensburger Fasnet is part of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht — the South German-Swiss carnival tradition, which fundamentally differs from the Rhenish carnival. Instead of sessions, Funkenmariechen (sparkling maids), and a variety of costumes, carved wooden masks, straw garments, traditional guild members (Hästräger), and a strictly ritualized weekly schedule characterize the event. In Ravensburg, the organizing guild is the Schwarze Veri Zunft e.V. — named after "Schwarzer Veri," a legendary robber and poacher from the Black Forest.

The Weekly Schedule

The Fasnet starts on Gumpiger Donnerstag (February 12, 2026) with the Schülerbefreiung (school liberation): witches, robbers, and masked figures gather in front of schools and "liberate" students from classes. In the morning, the Rathaussturm (town hall storming): the Schwarze Veri Zunft symbolically storms the town hall, takes over the city keys, and proclaims the official "jester's rule." This marks the beginning of six days of an exceptional state in the old town.

Großer Narrensprung on Rose Monday

The highlight is the Großer Narrensprung on Rose Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10 AM. 58 guilds come to Ravensburg from all over the region, each with its own mask types and traditional costumes (Hästracht). They parade through the medieval city center for two to three hours — past Marienplatz, the Mehlsack, through Marktstraße, to Rathausplatz. Noise, bells, pig bladders, pretzel sticks – all are part of the spectacle. The "Sprung" (jump) gives the parade its name — the Hästräger actually jump, hop, and dance in peculiar rhythms.

Fasnetsverbrennung on Tuesday

Fasnetsdienstag (February 17, 2026) marks the symbolic end with the Fasnetsverbrennung (Fasnet burning) at Gespinstmarkt in the evening. A straw figure — the personified Fasnet — is burned, after which peace returns. This marks the transition into Lent, traditionally the beginning of the pre-Easter period.

Schwarze Veri Zunft and Tradition

The Schwarze Veri Zunft is the central guild of Ravensburg's Fasnet. Their traditional mask types — including "Schwarzer Veri" himself with a beard and black coat — are known throughout the region. The guild cultivates the jester's custom as a serious cultural asset — Fasnet here is not slapstick, but centuries-old tradition with fixed choreography.