42nd Bischweier Rosenmontagsumzug

A Highlight of Southwestern Fasnet

Bischweier, one of the smallest independent villages in the Rastatt district with just under 3,000 inhabitants, transforms into one of the largest Fasching stages in Middle Baden on Rosenmontag. Over 70 groups from the entire Murg Valley, from the Black Forest to Alsace and even from Switzerland, travel here. Along the approximately two-kilometer parade route, you'll experience the full spectrum of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet: wooden mask wearers, witches, devils, traditional jester guilds (Narrenzünfte), creative themed floats, and Guggenmusik bands.

The Narrenzunft Kirschdestorre 1996 e.V.

Behind the organization is Narrenzunft Kirschdestorre 1996 e.V., a wooden mask guild founded in 1996 with its own figure – the Kirschdestorre, referencing Bischweier's cherry cultivation. With hand-carved wooden masks, traditional costumes (Häs), and a distinctive club culture, the guild has become an integral part of Bischweier's identity. The Rosenmontagsumzug is their annual highlight.

Precisely 2:11 PM – The Start

Punctually at 2:11 PM (the jester's hour), the procession begins. Over 70 groups march in a fixed order down the main street. You'll experience Guggenmusik from Alsace, witches from the Black Forest, jester guilds from Offenburg and Lahr, carnival societies from the Rhineland, and many creative themed floats from local associations. The atmosphere on the roadside is exuberant – bring a bag or purse, as there's no shortage of sweets, candies, and "Strüssele" (confetti).

Street Fasching Until the Night

After the parade, the entire village of Bischweier transforms into a single festival mile. Celebrations take place in the associations' halls, the multi-purpose hall, inns, and private garages. DJs, live bands, Guggenmusik, and dance groups provide entertainment until well after midnight. In recent years, the organizers have successfully focused on safety: a detailed traffic and safety concept, along with the presence of police and the German Red Cross (DRK), makes the festival family-friendly.

Bischweier – Murg Valley and Fasching Region

Bischweier is located between Rastatt and Gaggenau in the lower Murg Valley – a region known for its vibrant Fasching tradition. From the Wagbach Valley through Kuppenheim to Forbach, the parades of the "Närrisches Murgtal" (Jester's Murg Valley) take place throughout February. The Bischweier parade is a fixed part of this calendar. If you're looking for more, you can also visit the parades in Gaggenau (Schmotziger Donnerstag), Rastatt (Fastnachtsdienstag), or Kuppenheim.