Wittlich Town Hall Storming

Jester-like City Takeover in Wittlich

Wittlich, the district town in Bernkastel-Wittlich district and home of the famous Säubrennerkirmes (Vinegar Burners' Fair), cultivates a lively Fastnacht (Carnival) tradition. The highlight of the street carnival is the Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday Parade) 'Zug der fröhlichen Leute' (Parade of Happy People); the prelude to the heated phase is the Rathauserstürmung (Town Hall Storming) on Weiberdonnerstag (Women's Thursday, Altweiber). On this day, the Wittlich Carnival Society gathers with its prince and princess, dance troupes, music band, and court in front of the historic town hall on the market square.

The Town Hall Key Changes Hands

The ceremonial highlight: The mayor steps out, is symbolically cornered by the jesters, and hands over the town hall key to the prince and princess. Thus, the town is officially in carnival hands for the duration of the 'toll times' (festive days). Speeches by the mayor, 'Büttenreden' (parody speeches from the 'jester's tub'), guard dances, and jester-like negotiations are staged in front of the assembled audience on the market square.

Kick-off to Street Carnival

The Rathauserstürmung marks the beginning of the heated carnival days in Wittlich. Afterwards, the action moves to Wittlich's pubs and squares; on the weekend, children's galas and grand galas follow, and on Rose Monday, the big parade. The day is colorful, loud, and a family event – children are explicitly welcome and are showered with candy.