48. Schoduvel – Carnival Parade Braunschweig

Schoduvel – Carnival with a Northern German Flair

The name 'Schoduvel' originates from a medieval custom of driving out winter with noise, masks, and eerie figures. Today, the term signifies the grand Braunschweig carnival parade, which takes place every year on Carnival Sunday. With around 4,500 participants, 130 floats, 20 brass bands, and several hundred thousand spectators along the route, it is one of Germany's largest carnival events – ranking fourth after Cologne, Mainz, and Düsseldorf, and it is clearly the largest carnival parade in Northern Germany.

Route and Schedule

The parade starts at 12:40 PM at Europaplatz and travels approximately five kilometers through Braunschweig's city center. The route has been established for years and leads through the central shopping streets, past the Schlossplatz, the Rathaus, and the city's main squares. Residents, families, and carnival fans line the streets, followed by floats and walking groups. Candies, sweets, and carnival medals are thrown into the audience – one of the parade's most cherished traditions.

130 Floats, 20 Brass Bands, 4,500 Participants

The Komitee Braunschweiger Karneval (Braunschweig Carnival Committee) and the numerous carnival clubs in the region work for months on the floats, costumes, and choreographies. Political satire, local anecdotes, music, and dance characterize the parade. The brass bands provide the musical accompaniment, dance troupes showcase their choreographies, and particularly elaborately designed themed floats repeatedly stand out from the crowd.

2026 Motto and After-Party

The motto for 2026 is 'Der Schoduvel kommt mit voller Macht…' (The Schoduvel comes with full force…), picking up on the tradition of politically humorous motto selection. Following the parade, starting around 5:00 PM, the grand carnival party will take place in the Volkswagen Halle. The headliner is the Hermes House Band, who will ensure a lively atmosphere with their carnival hits and popular songs. Thousands of carnival-goers will celebrate there until late into the night.

Live TV and Stream Broadcast

The Schoduvel has been broadcast live on television and via internet stream for years, allowing viewers from across Northern Germany and the world to follow the spectacle. Local channels provide extensive coverage, and regional media accompany the event with comprehensive reporting.