Wiesbaden Carnival Parade
Hesse's largest carnival parade on Carnival Sunday in the state capital
About Carnival Parade Wiesbaden
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The Fifth Season in the State Capital
In Wiesbaden, Carnival (Fastnacht) has been a firmly established tradition since 1859 – officially known throughout the city as "the fifth season." The highlight of every campaign is the Carnival Sunday Parade, organized by the Dachorganisation Wiesbadener Karneval (DACHO). With 179 parade units, a 4.5 km route through the city center, and around 400,000 spectators along the route, it is the largest carnival procession in Hesse.
Anniversary 2026 — Seven Times Eleven Years
The 2025/2026 campaign runs under the motto "Seven times eleven years of Carnival Parade" – that is, 77 years of the Dacho parade since its revival in 1949. The number 7x11 is deliberately chosen in Rhenish and Hessian carnival: 11 is the jesters' number, 7 is the lucky number, and their product represents a double anniversary.
Route Through the City Center
The parade starts at 12:11 PM at the RheinMain CongressCenter, then proceeds along Friedrich-Ebert-Allee, Wilhelmstraße, Taunusstraße, Georg-August-Zinn-Straße, Kranzplatz, and back through the city center – a total of 4.5 km, with a duration of four to five hours. Participating are: traditional carnival societies, guards, walking groups, several music and marching bands, as well as themed floats satirizing local politics and national issues.
Other Highlights of the Campaign
A packed program unfolds around the Sunday parade: on Carnival Saturday (February 14th), the children's parade starts at 3:33 PM from Luisenplatz, preceded by the Dacho Children's Festival starting at 11:11 AM at Marktbrunnen with a stage program. On Carnival Monday (February 16th), the Molsberger Narr'n parade takes place in the Frauenstein district starting at 1:11 PM.
Sessions and Balls
Starting in January, the grand, costume, and guest sessions of the numerous Wiesbaden carnival clubs take place: in the ESWE-Halle, the Hilde-Müller-Haus, the Kurhaus, and in the districts of Kostheim, Schierstein, Bierstadt, and Naurod. The Dacho coordinates the dates and publishes the overall campaign program at dacho.de.
Carnival Parade Wiesbaden — edition 2026
The 2026 anniversary Carnival Parade marks 77 years of the Dacho parade. With 179 parade units – including guards, walking groups, music ensembles, and themed floats – it is one of the largest carnival processions in Germany. It is part of a three-day program with a children's parade the day before and a Carnival Monday parade in Frauenstein.
Programme Carnival Parade Wiesbaden 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Children's Carnival
- 11:11 AM — Dacho Children's Festival at Marktbrunnen (stage program)
- 3:33 PM — Children's parade from Luisenplatz through the city center
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Grand Carnival Sunday Parade
- 12:11 PM — Parade start at RheinMain CongressCenter (Friedrich-Ebert-Allee)
- Route: Friedrich-Ebert-Allee → Wilhelmstraße → Taunusstraße → Georg-August-Zinn-Straße → Kranzplatz → City Center → return to start
- 179 Parade Units: Carnival societies, guards, walking groups, music and marching bands, themed floats
- 4.5 km route, 4–5 hours parade duration
- Parade end approx. 4:30 PM
Monday, February 16, 2026 — Carnival Monday
- 1:11 PM — Molsberger Narr'n parade in Wiesbaden-Frauenstein
Sessions and Balls starting January 2026
- Grand, costume, and guest sessions in ESWE-Halle, Hilde-Müller-Haus, Kurhaus
- District events in Kostheim, Schierstein, Bierstadt, Naurod
- Full session calendar on dacho.de
Highlights Carnival Parade Wiesbaden 2026
- Anniversary parade "Seven times eleven years" — 77 years of Dacho tradition
- 179 parade units on a 4.5 km route
- Around 400,000 spectators along the route
- Children's parade the day before, Carnival Monday parade in Frauenstein
Prices Carnival Parade Wiesbaden 2026
The parade is free to attend. Grandstand seats along the route are partially available for pre-sale (providers via Dacho).
Practical information — Carnival Parade Wiesbaden
Getting There
Due to the complete closure of the city center on parade Sunday, arrival by public transport is strongly recommended. Wiesbaden Central Station is a 10-minute walk from the RheinMain CongressCenter. ESWE Verkehr operates additional bus and tram services.
Admission
The parade itself is free to attend. Grandstand seats along the route are partially available for purchase.
Tips
Look for a spot along the route early (from 10 AM). Wear warm clothing, as it is often cold in early February (2–4 °C). Bring a bag of sweets for children – candy and small gifts are thrown from the parade.
Organizer
Dachorganisation Wiesbadener Karneval (DACHO). Program at www.dacho.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Carnival Parade Wiesbaden al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Carnival Parade Wiesbaden
Innenstadt Wiesbaden – Route Friedrich-Ebert-Allee bis Wilhelmstraße
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee (Start RheinMain CongressCenter), 65183 Wiesbaden