Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel
One of the largest Carnival parades on the Middle Rhine with over 53 parade units and 800 active participants
About Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel
The Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel is considered one of the largest Carnival parades on the Middle Rhine and marks the festive highlight of the year in the UNESCO World Heritage city. It is organized by the traditional Karnevalsgesellschaft Goubloch 1897 e.V., which upholds the custom of the "fifth season" in Oberwesel.
On Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), February 16, 2026, the parade will set off punctually at 2:11 PM. Over 53 parade units and more than 800 active participants will march through the picturesque old town of Oberwesel, past medieval defensive towers and half-timbered buildings. Afterwards, the city will continue celebrating at the After-Zuch-Party (post-parade party) in the Goubloch-Arena (town hall).
The Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel is the central Carnival event on the Middle Rhine, attracting thousands of revellers from the Rhein-Hunsrück district, the Rheingau, and beyond each year. The parade is organized by the Karnevalsgesellschaft Goubloch Oberwesel 1897 e.V., which derives its name from Oberwesel's landmark, the hole in the city wall—referred to in Palatinate-Rhenish dialect as “Gou(b)loch”.
Founded in 1897, KG Goubloch is one of the oldest Carnival associations on the Middle Rhine. Its history reflects the chequered fate of Carnival in the region—prohibitions during the World Wars, revival during the post-war economic boom, and consolidation in recent decades. Today, the association is the central player in Oberwesel's Carnival and the host of the Rosenmontagszug.
The parade traditionally begins at 2:11 PM—the number 11, as the jesters' lucky number, has always governed the Carnival calendar. With over 53 parade units, including floats from local associations, kindergartens, schools, music bands, walking groups, and friendly Carnival associations from the region, it is one of the most extensive parades on the Middle Rhine. Over 800 active participants gather year after year.
The parade route leads through the historic town centre of Oberwesel, whose medieval city walls, defensive towers, and half-timbered houses are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Upper Middle Rhine Valley”. This backdrop makes the parade not only the Carnival but also the visual highlight of the season. Sweets, “Strüssjer” (small bouquets of artificial flowers), and original throwing gifts fly from the floats into the enthusiastic crowd.
Following the parade, the After-Zuch-Party takes place in the Goubloch-Arena—Oberwesel's town hall. Here, participants and the public celebrate late into the night with Carnival hits, live music, and DJ sets. With thousands of visitors, Oberwesel transforms into a jester's stronghold throughout the Carnival season, but the Rosenmontagszug forms the undisputed climax.
Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel — edition 2026
On Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), February 16, 2026, the Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel will set off at precisely 2:11 PM. Over 53 parade units and more than 800 active participants from the Karnevalsgesellschaft Goubloch 1897 e.V. and friendly associations will march through the medieval old town of Oberwesel. The picturesque backdrop of defensive towers, half-timbered houses, and the city wall in the UNESCO World Heritage site Upper Middle Rhine Valley makes the parade the highlight of the festive season on the Middle Rhine. Afterwards, participants and the public will continue celebrating at the After-Zuch-Party in the Goubloch-Arena (town hall).
The 2026 edition of the Oberwesel Rosenmontagszug continues the tradition dating back to 1897. Over 53 parade units are expected—floats from local associations, schools, kindergartens, and Carnival societies, music bands, walking groups, and dance troupes. More than 800 active participants lend the parade its special energy and diversity.
The parade moves through the historic town centre; the medieval defensive towers and half-timbered buildings of the World Heritage city offer a unique backdrop. Sweets, StrĂĽssjer, and creative throwing gifts fly into the cheering crowd lining both sides of the route. After the parade, the celebration moves to the Goubloch-Arena, where the party continues late into the night with Carnival music.
Programme Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- 2:11 PM: Official start of the Rosenmontagszug in Oberwesel town centre.
- 2:11 PM to approx. 5 PM: Parade through the medieval old town with over 53 units and 800 participants.
- Afterwards: After-Zuch-Party in the Goubloch-Arena (town hall) with Carnival music, live bands, and DJ sets until late at night.
The exact parade route, assembly point, and detailed program from KG Goubloch will be published in January 2026.
Highlights Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel 2026
Highlights 2026: one of the largest Carnival parades on the Middle Rhine with over 53 parade units and 800 participants, a unique backdrop of medieval defensive towers and half-timbered houses in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and a lively After-Zuch-Party in the Goubloch-Arena hosted by KG Goubloch 1897.
Prices Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel 2026
The parade is free to attend. An entrance fee will be charged for the After-Zuch-Party in the Goubloch-Arena (box office).
Practical information — Rosenmontagszug Oberwesel
Date 2026: Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), February 16, 2026.
Start: 2:11 PM, assembly and starting point in Oberwesel town centre.
Parade Route: through the historic old town of Oberwesel, past medieval defensive towers.
After-Zuch-Party: afterwards in the Goubloch-Arena (Oberwesel town hall).
Admission: Parade is free; After-Party requires an entrance fee at the box office.
Getting There: Oberwesel is accessible by train (left Rhine line) and via the B9 federal road. On Rosenmontag, parking in the town centre is severely restricted; travel by train is recommended.
Note: The organizer is the Karnevalsgesellschaft Goubloch 1897 e.V.; current information is available via local press and KG channels.
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