Veilchendienstagszug Mönchengladbach 2026 — 90th Anniversary

Germany's Largest Shrove Tuesday Parade

The Mönchengladbach Veilchendienstagszug has been a German carnival classic since 1936. While most carnival strongholds hold their main parade on Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), Mönchengladbach sticks to its tradition: Shrove Tuesday (Veilchendienstag) — the day after Rose Monday — is the parade day here. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the parade celebrates its 90th anniversary — a remarkable milestone for a carnival tradition that has endured two world wars and decades of societal change.

The Numbers for 2026

• 4,500 marchers in walking groups and with floats
• 30 carnival societies
• 82 floats
• 85 walking groups (39 with dance troupes)
• 17 music bands
• 2 equestrian groups
• 5.5 kilometers of route
• Up to 400,000 spectators

This makes the Veilchendienstagszug one of the largest carnival parades in Europe — comparable in size to the Cologne Rose Monday parade, but more traditional in its unique character due to taking place on Tuesday instead of Monday.

The Route

Start at 1:11 PM on Lüpertzender Straße

Gathering begins in the morning, with the classic start at 1:11 PM on Lüpertzender Straße. From here, the parade proceeds:

• Lüpertzender Straße
• Bleichstraße
• Speicker Straße
• Hittastraße
• Aachener Straße
• Alter Markt
• Goeberstraße (End, approx. 4:30 PM)

The route is 5.5 km long and winds through the central streets of Mönchengladbach's city center — the carnival heart of the city.

New Features for 2026

Pre-Parade Program on Two Squares

For the first time in 2026, a pre-parade program will take place on Sonnenhausplatz and Europaplatz — featuring hosts, live music, and DJs. This creates a more comprehensive festival atmosphere beyond the parade route itself.

Hosts Knippertz & Schnitzler

At the main points, Torsten Knippertz (a well-known carnival host) and Hermann Schnitzler will host, commenting on the passing parade for the spectators.

Bands and DJs at Hotspots

Two hotspots along the route will feature live bands and DJ sets — performances, interviews with carnival dignitaries, and musical accompaniment.

Live Audio Description for the Blind

For 10 years, a special live audio description for blind and visually impaired spectators has been provided at the Alter Markt — an inclusion initiative that is rare in Germany and will continue in 2026.

After-Parade Party on Europaplatz

After the parade ends: an After-Parade Party on Europaplatz with DJ sets, bands, and the typical Veilchendienstagszug atmosphere.

Grandstands Available

Seated grandstands can be purchased as usual — recommended for older or smaller family members.

Mönchengladbach and Lower Rhine Carnival

Mönchengladbach, with approximately 260,000 inhabitants, is the fourth-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. Shaped by the textile industry, it is now a city of small and medium-sized enterprises with an active carnival tradition. The Lower Rhine carnival has its own peculiarities — the Veilchendienstagszug is the most important of these. While Cologne and Düsseldorf hold their main parades on Rose Monday, Mönchengladbach maintains its Shrove Tuesday tradition. This makes the parade an attractive alternative for carnival-goers who have already been to Cologne or Düsseldorf on Rose Monday.