Wendische Fastnacht Straupitz (Spreewald)

Oldest Wendish Carnival — since 1825

The Wendish Carnival in Straupitz is the oldest and most renowned Lower Sorbian carnival celebration in the Spreewald. First documented in 1825, Straupitz will celebrate its 201st edition in 2026 — an anniversary that imbues the village with a special festive atmosphere. The custom is embedded in the Wendish-Sorbian tradition of the Lower Lusatia region and is considered a cultural asset of supra-regional importance.

Costume Parade and Zampern

The event begins on Friday evening, February 13th, 2026, with the costume parade in the festival tent: 54 couples in traditional Lower Sorbian festive attire enter dancing to the live music of the Oktoberfest Spitzbuben. On Saturday, February 14th, the Zapust begins with the Zamperer procession: around 100 costumed men parade through the village accompanied by the BlaMuEcho band, collecting money, sausage, and eggs from residents — the traditional custom of "Zampern". In the evening, the carnival ball with the live band Monument follows.

Grand Carnival Procession on Sunday

The highlight is the grand costume and festival procession on Sunday, February 15th. The prince and princess (Erik I and Lea I in 2025) lead the procession, followed by decorated themed floats, ski bunny groups, Disney characters, and local clubs. There is a separate program for children, and DJ TOBI takes over the dance floor in the evening.

Wendish-Sorbian Identity

The Wendish Carnival is a central celebration of identity for the Lower Sorbian tradition. The typical festive costumes — elaborately embroidered headdresses, ribbons, aprons, and vests — are passed down through families and worn annually on carnival weekend. Straupitz, with around 1,500 inhabitants, is the main town of the municipality Spreewaldheide and one of the core Lower Sorbian areas in the Dahme-Spreewald district.

In the Dahme-Spreewald District and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Spreewald

The Spreewald has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1991. Straupitz is part of its southwestern section and is accessible via Straupitz-Straupitzer-Heide or Pampke-Straupitz-Heideland. The Fastnachtsverein Straupitz/Spreewald e.V. organizes the festival with the volunteer commitment of around 100 active members.