Rosenmontagszug Idar-Oberstein

Highlight of the Idar-Oberstein Carnival

In a city like Idar-Oberstein, known for gemstones, industry, and its Bundeswehr garrison, the Rosenmontagszug is the one big city festival that brings the entire population together. The Idarer-Karneval-Gesellschaft (IKG) has been organizing the parade for decades, together with friendly carnival societies and associations from the region.

1:11 PM Assembly, then onto the Route

The parade starts at 1:11 PM – the eleventh minute of the thirteenth hour, one of the jester's symbolic numbers. Floats, walking groups, guards, and music bands parade through the city center, past the Schleiferplatz, the market square, and the main streets of the Idar district. The parade order includes themed floats with political satire, jester-like depictions of local personalities and events, club advertisements, dance groups, and friendly carnival societies from the upper Nahe and Hunsrück regions.

Candy, Costumes, and After-Parade Party

Along the route, tons of candy (Kamellen), sweets, cookies, and small souvenirs are thrown into the crowd. Families with children, seniors, students, and adults of all ages line the route in colorful costumes. After the parade ends, the crowd gathers for the after-parade party on the Schleiferplatz, where the celebration continues until the late afternoon and evening – with a DJ, snacks, mulled wine, and exuberant carnival spirit.