Waldbröl Carnival Parade

Carnival in the Oberberg Region

The Waldbröl Carnival Parade is the most important carnival event in the southern Oberbergischer Kreis and will take place in 2026 for its 14th edition on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The organizer is the Waldbröler Karnevals-Gesellschaft 1946 e.V. (WKG) — a traditional carnival society with an 80-year history. Chairwoman: Alexandra Noiron (Tel. +49 2291 9071991, E-mail [email protected]).

Assembly, Start, and Route

Assembly of parade participants from approx. 1 PM in Bahnhofstraße near the former train station. Parade starts at 2:11 PM — the typical carnival time (referencing Eleven-Eleven). The route leads through Waldbröl's town center along the main streets — floats, walking groups, music bands, and dance troupes will pass by. During the parade, the town center will be closed to car traffic from 12 PM to 6 PM.

Floats and Walking Groups

Colorful floats with current political and social themes, local clubs, dance groups, music bands, and walking groups from Waldbröl and the surrounding area form the parade. Kamelle (sweets), Strüssjer (small bouquets of flowers), and small gifts are thrown to the audience. Registrations for groups must be sent exclusively to [email protected]:

• Float Groups — Registration deadline January 11, 2026 (new TÜV regulations for traditional cultural events)
• Walking Groups Only — Registration deadline January 18, 2026

After the Parade: Party in the Nutscheidhalle

After the parade ends, the big After-Parade Party takes place in the Nutscheidhalle — live music, stage shows, dancing, and socializing until the evening. The Nutscheidhalle is Waldbröl's central event hall and perfect for the after-parade atmosphere.

Gala Session on Saturday

On the evening before, Saturday, February 14, 2026, the traditional Prunksitzung (Gala Session) of the WKG will take place — comedy speeches (Büttenreden), dance troupes, honoring of the Carnival Prince(s), and carnival awards. The Prunksitzung is the highlight of the WKG season, and advance ticket sales begin in January.

Waldbröl — Gateway to the Oberberg Region

Waldbröl is located in the southern Oberbergischer Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia, not far from the border with Rhineland-Palatinate. With around 19,000 inhabitants, the town is a medium-sized center in the region between the Bröl and Wiehl valleys. The Oberberg region, with its dams, ridges, and half-timbered villages, is a popular recreational area for Cologne, Bonn, and the Ruhr area. Carnival tradition is firmly anchored here — as in the entire Rhineland: "Pass op!" is the Waldbröl carnival greeting.

TÜV Regulations Since 2024

Since 2024, new TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) regulations apply to traditional cultural events such as carnival parades. The WKG carefully adheres to these and centrally compiles the required safety documents (vehicle inspections, routes, security) for each parade. Registrations are collected centrally at [email protected].