Tulpensonntagszug Viersen 2026

Carnival in the Lower Rhine Region — Viersen Joins In

While Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz dominate the German carnival headlines, the Lower Rhine region has its own, smaller, but equally traditional carnival culture. Viersen, with its approximately 78,000 inhabitants, is located between Mönchengladbach and the Dutch border and is one of the region's carnival strongholds. The annual Tulpensonntagszug is the city's largest carnival parade and one of the best-known in the Viersen district.

What is 'Tulpensonntag'?

'Tulpensonntag' (Tulip Sunday) is the Lower Rhine term for Carnival Sunday — the day before Rose Monday. In Viersen, the big parade traditionally takes place on this day, while Dülken (a district of Viersen) has its own Tulpensonntagszug in the same location. In 2026, Tulpensonntag falls on February 15.

Starts at 2:11 PM — the typical carnival time

The parade starts punctually at 2:11 PM — a time typical in Rhenish carnival, referencing the combined symbolism of the 'session' (11) and fortress. A total of 104 entries are registered: elaborate themed floats, music bands, walking groups, dance formations, and baggage carts with candy ('Kamelle') for the spectators.

The Parade Route through Alt-Viersen

The parade follows a classic route through the heart of Alt-Viersen. Order:

1. Dülkener Straße (Start)
2. Goetersstraße
3. Burgstraße (Family area with reduced volume)
4. Lindenstraße
5. Petersstraße
6. Remigiusstraße
7. Wilhelmstraße
8. Hauptstraße
9. Bahnhofstraße
10. Parkstraße
11. Große Bruchstraße
12. Hauptstraße (return)
13. Heimbachstraße
14. Hermann-Hülser-Platz (End point)

Family Area Burgstraße

Specifically for families with small children, a section on Burgstraße has been designated as a family area — the music bands will be quieter here, the floats slower, and the throwing of candy ('Kamelle') is geared towards small hands. Parents with strollers will find a quieter part of the parade here.

Traffic Regulations

Parking along the parade route is prohibited from 8:00 AM, and through traffic is banned from 10:00 AM. Visitors are best advised to arrive by train — Viersen has an ICE train station on the Düsseldorf–Aachen line.

What Makes the Tulpensonntagszug Special

The mix of Rhenish carnival cheer, Lower Rhine down-to-earthness, and Viersen's manageable size makes the parade authentic and family-friendly at the same time. No mass tourism like in Cologne, but carnival as it is lived in a medium-sized city: many regular visitors, volunteer organization, floats built by clubs over weeks, and children carrying their bags of candy home.