Name: Würzburg Carnival Parade 2026
Start: 2026-02-15T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-15T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Innenstadt Würzburg (Hauger Viertel)

Carnival Parade Würzburg

About Carnival Parade Würzburg

The Würzburg Carnival Parade is the largest carnival parade in Bavaria and one of the biggest in Southern Germany. On Carnival Sunday, around 133 groups with fanfares, floats, and thousands of participants march through Würzburg's city center – led by the Prince and Princess and accompanied by 70,000 to 100,000 spectators. The colorful procession winds its way through the city from the Hauger Viertel via Domstraße and Schönbornstraße. A highlight of Franconian Fastnacht (Carnival), organized by the 1st Carnival Society Elferrat Würzburg.

Dates 15 Feb — 15 Feb 2026

Venue Würzburg (09663)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Carnival Parade Würzburg — edition 2026

The 70th Würzburg Carnival Parade will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026. It starts at 11:55 AM in Semmelstraße in the Hauger Viertel and ends around 3 PM. 133 registered groups with about 2,500 participants will parade through the city center in five sections. Motto: "The Best in Würzburg Carnival," led by Prince and Princess Stephanie I. and Alex I.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the 70th Würzburg Carnival Parade will march through the city center. The start is at 11:55 AM in Semmelstraße in the Hauger Viertel, and the end is expected around 3 PM. 133 registered groups with approximately 2,500 participants, marching bands, and floats will form the parade in five sections.

The route leads via Textorstraße, Haugerpfarrgasse, Obere Juliuspromenade, Dominikanerplatz, Schönbornstraße, Kürschnerhof, Domstraße, Augustinerstraße, Sanderstraße to Sanderring. 70,000 to 100,000 spectators are expected. Motto: "The Best in Würzburg Carnival," led by Prince and Princess Stephanie I. and Alex I.

Highlights Carnival Parade Würzburg 2026

70th edition, 133 groups with around 2,500 participants, Prince and Princess Stephanie I. and Alex I., up to 100,000 spectators, Bavaria's largest carnival parade.

Programme Carnival Parade Würzburg 2026

Sunday, February 15, 2026

11:55 AM — Start in Semmelstraße (Hauger Viertel)
Parade route: Textorstraße – Haugerpfarrgasse – Obere Juliuspromenade – Dominikanerplatz – Schönbornstraße – Kürschnerhof – Domstraße – Augustinerstraße – Sanderstraße – Sanderring
approx. 3:00 PM — Expected end of parade

Key Data

133 registered groups, around 2,500 participants, five parade sections
Prince and Princess of the 2025/26 season: Stephanie I. and Alex I. "vom glitzernden Zahn"
Motto: "The Best in Würzburg Carnival"
Mainly carnival clubs and 'Elferräte' from Würzburg and the region

Prices Carnival Parade Würzburg 2026

Free to watch.

Practical information

Practical information — Carnival Parade Würzburg

Getting There

Start Semmelstraße, Hauger Viertel, 97070 Würzburg. Due to road closures, travel by train and public transport is strongly recommended; Würzburg Hauptbahnhof (main station) is within walking distance of the parade route.

Admission

Viewing the parade is free. The organizer is the 1st Carnival Society Elferrat Würzburg e.V. (Parade Marshal Michael Zinnhobel).

Tip

Arrive early to secure good spots along the route; the city center is very crowded during the parade.

Bavaria's Largest Carnival Parade

The Würzburg Carnival Parade is considered the largest carnival parade in Bavaria. On Carnival Sunday, Würzburg's city center transforms into a single 'Narrhalla' (carnival hall): around 133 registered groups with approximately 2,500 participants, marching bands, and elaborately designed floats parade through the city in five sections.

A Procession Through the Old Town

The start is traditionally in Semmelstraße in the Hauger Viertel. The route leads via Textorstraße, Haugerpfarrgasse, Obere Juliuspromenade, Dominikanerplatz, Schönbornstraße, Kürschnerhof, Domstraße, Augustinerstraße, Sanderstraße to Sanderring. 70,000 to 100,000 spectators are expected – the visitor record is 140,000 (1972).

Prince Couple and Motto

The parade is led by the reigning Prince and Princess. In the 2025/26 season, Stephanie I. and Alex I. "vom glitzernden Zahn" (from the glittering tooth) reign. The motto is "The Best in Würzburg Carnival." Participants are mainly carnival clubs and 'Elferräte' (councils of eleven) from Würzburg and the region – Franconian Fastnacht (Carnival) shows its full diversity here.

Location in Lower Franconia

Würzburg is an independent city in the state of Bavaria and the center of Lower Franconia. The carnival parade is one of the region's largest traditional events and a social highlight in the Franconian festival calendar. It is organized by the 1st Carnival Society Elferrat Würzburg e.V.