Rosenmontagsumzug Reinheim

A Carnival Procession on the Border

Reinheim is the southernmost district of the municipality of Gersheim in the Saarpfalz-Kreis and is located directly on the German-French border. The Blies river separates the Saarland part from its namesake in Lorraine (Reinheim/Sarreguemines). This cross-border location has shaped the Reinheimer Rosenmontagszug for decades: a carnival procession that brings together people from Saarland, the Palatinate, and Lorraine on one street.

The History of the Procession

It all began in 1961 with a spontaneous march by local carnival-goers "out of a beer-fueled whim." The official Rose Monday procession was launched in 1966 – the driving forces were teacher Edwin Huth and Mayor Josef Lembert. By its fifth edition, 20 floats, five music bands, and numerous walking groups attracted around 3,000 spectators. For its tenth anniversary in 1971, there were 38 participating groups, and by 1978, there were already 60.

44,000 Spectators and Special Bus Connections

Over the decades, the Reinheimer Rosenmontagszug has grown into one of the most spectator-heavy carnival processions in Southwest Germany: in 2011, around 44,000 spectators were estimated. Visitors come from all over Saarland, from Lorraine (Sarreguemines, Bitche), and the Palatinate. A special feature: special bus connections from all surrounding villages ensure relaxed travel – an important factor for carnival, where enjoying a beer without driving worries is key.

Three Cancellations in 60 Years

The procession has only been cancelled three times in total: in 1972 after the death of Edwin Huth, in 1991 due to the Second Gulf War, and once due to poor weather conditions. This reliability has made the procession an institution – anyone in the Saarpfalz-Kreis who wants to celebrate tradition on Rose Monday goes to Reinheim.

The Working Group as Organizer

After Edwin Huth's death in 1972, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Reinheim – an association of local clubs – took over the organization. To this day, it is the central body responsible for the procession and operates on a voluntary basis. Floats are designed by the local Carneval-Club Reinheim 1974 e.V. and clubs from the entire region.