Wendische Fastnacht Straupitz (Spreewald)
Oldest Wendish Carnival in the Spreewald — Costume parade, Zampern, and grand festival procession since 1825
About Wendische Fastnacht
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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.
Wendische Fastnacht — edition 2026
201st Edition of the Oldest Lower Sorbian Carnival
With the 2026 edition, the Straupitz Carnival Association continues the tradition of the Wendish Carnival, unbroken since 1825. Three days of program with a parade, Zampern, ball, and festival procession attract an audience from all over the Spreewald, Berlin, Cottbus, and beyond. The Lower Sorbian festive costume in its diverse variations is the centerpiece of the festival — a piece of living UNESCO cultural heritage.
Detailed program information will be published by the Fastnachtsverein Straupitz/Spreewald e.V. via www.straupitz.com in January 2026.
Programme Wendische Fastnacht 2026
Friday, February 13th, 2026 — Opening
- Evening — Costume parade in the festival tent: 54 couples in Lower Sorbian festive attire
- Live music and dancing in the festival tent
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 — Zampern
- 09:00 AM — Couple photos in the museum barn
- 11:00 AM — Meeting at the fire station
- 11:30 AM — Assembly
- 12:00 PM — Departure to the village green with Lausitz Blech and Ströbitzer Blasmusikanten
- All day: Zamperer procession — around 100 costumed men parade through the village
- 08:00 PM — Carnival ball "Zur Linde" with Lutzketaler Musikanten / Live band Monument
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 — Grand Festival Procession
- Midday — Grand costume and festival procession with prince and princess, decorated themed floats, costume groups, and local clubs
- Afternoon: Children's program
- Evening: DJ TOBI
Highlights Wendische Fastnacht 2026
- 201st edition of the oldest Lower Sorbian Wendish Carnival
- Costume parade with 54 couples in festive attire
- Zamperer procession on Saturday with around 100 costumes
- Grand festival procession with prince and princess on Sunday
- Live bands: Oktoberfest Spitzbuben, BlaMuEcho, Lausitz Blech, Monument
- Fastnachtsverein Straupitz/Spreewald e.V. — since 1825
Prices Wendische Fastnacht 2026
Sunday procession traditionally free to watch. Admission prices for festival tent events (parade, ball) will be published in advance by the organizer.
Practical information — Wendische Fastnacht
Getting There
Straupitz (Spreewald), 15913. By car via the A 13 (exit Lübben) and federal road B87. By train (RE2 Berlin–Cottbus) to Lübben (Spreewald), then by bus for about 25 minutes to Straupitz. Parking available near the village.
Dates 2026
Friday, February 13th, 2026 (Costume parade and dance in the festival tent). Saturday, February 14th, 2026 (Zamperer procession from the morning, carnival ball in the evening). Sunday, February 15th, 2026 (Grand festival procession at midday, children's program).
Admission
Sunday procession traditionally free to watch. Admission prices for festival tent events (parade, ball) will be published in advance by the Carnival Association.
Contact
Fastnachtsverein Straupitz/Spreewald e.V., www.straupitz.com.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Wendische Fastnacht
Straupitz (Spreewald)
Festzelt Straupitz, 15913 Straupitz (Spreewald)