In the Black Forest, the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht (Carnival) with its centuries-old customs defines the fifth season. Pagan rituals, such as the boisterous driving out of winter, blend with Christian practices like boisterous celebrations and the last meat feast before Lent. The term "Fasnacht" refers to the six days from "Dirty Thursday" or "Fat Thursday" to Ash Wednesday. During numerous parades and carnival gatherings in the Black Forest, dancing witches, wild men, and many other colorful "masks" fill the streets and taverns. They revel in the boisterous fun and play pranks on the spectators.
Carnival, Mardi Gras, Carnival - a little journey to the origins
Between Christmas and the days of fasting in preparation for Easter, there has been a time of "anarchy" in all German regions since the Middle Ages. Authorities - mostly the Church - were mocked; Rules no longer applied. Protected by masks and disguises, the common people enjoyed their “great days”. People knew that from Ash Wednesday onwards, strict abstinence was required - in every respect. With the Reformation, the “fifth” season lost its importance, especially in Protestant areas. The Rhenish carnival revived from 1815 when Cologne was occupied by Prussians after the French had withdrawn. These new authorities made the "junkies" ridiculous. In southwest Germany, the more traditional Swabian-Alemannic carnival survived.
Colorful tradition and handed-down heritage - the carnival in the southwest
The fifth season, as it is celebrated in the Black Forest region, differs in many ways from the Rhenish carnival. Customs and old manners are in the foreground. In contrast to the carnival societies, the local clubs organize themselves in so-called “fools guilds”. They maintain the customs of their respective hometowns and organize events and large parades. Characteristic are the lavishly designed costumes, also called "Häs", made of a wooden mask or "larva" and the fool's dress. The Häträger usually keep their artistic equipment for a lifetime and partly pass them on. The figures shown often relate to legends and traditional, actual events.
The most important carnival strongholds in the Black Forest
The Black Forest is rich in carnival traditions. The fools' leaps in these towns are particularly worth seeing:
- Rottweil with the famous Fools' Leap and its historical figures
- Villingen and its centuries-old carnival tradition
- Elzach with the spectacular Schuttig parade
- Oberndorf and its colorful jester figures
- Schramberg with the unique “Da-Bach-na-Fahrt” (stream ride)
Carnival officially begins in most Black Forest towns on January 6th (Epiphany), when masks are dusted off and the first events are prepared. The highlight is the "foolish days" in February.
Witches dance and wild people - shaping the Swabian-Alemannic carnival
Despite a large number of conspicuous bearers, a few basic figures can be made out. Among other things, keep appearing:
- Devil figures - they are among the oldest disguises. Due to the many prohibitions and rules of the church, the celebrants disguised themselves even more as the "incarnate". An impressive example today is the torchlight parade of the Triberg devils.
- Carnival witches - they include the dancing witches from Löffingen from the Upper Black Forest.
- Wild men or wild people - could be produced cheaply for the farmers and the common people with simple means. The hat from the nutshell hansele Wolfach for example, shows itself occupied with thousands of nutshells.
- Animal figures - an example is the "Hoorige Bär", a thickly padded straw figure made of singing or the bird-like "night crab" of the Murrhardt fools guild.
In addition, numerous other fools, legends and mythical creatures are up to mischief during the parades and events - much to the delight of the audience.
Overnight stay during Carnival – comfort and experience in the Black Forest
Carnival season in the Black Forest is not only a cultural highlight but also offers numerous opportunities for an unforgettable stay. Many hotels and guesthouses in the region have special offers for the festive days. For example, the Hotel Engel in Todtnauberg invites families to experience the unique Carnival tradition up close. Enjoy a unique stay in Rottweil and experience a very special Carnival season with the famous Fools' Leap. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or enjoy peace and quiet – in the Black Forest, you'll find the perfect accommodation for your needs during Carnival.
You are looking for the right overnight stay during the carnival season
From traditional guesthouses to cozy holiday apartments and elegant hotels – everyone will find the right accommodation here.
From the larvae dusting to the fool's jump - a few carnival rituals
The Swabian-Alemannic Carnival season kicks off in many places on January 6th with the traditional "Larvenabstauben" (mask dusting). Participants dust off their masks and costumes, removing the dust of the past year. Witches, devils, and other creatures come back to life, and the revelry can begin. After the first events and gatherings of the revelers, things get heated on "Dirty Thursday." "Schmotzig" means "greasy" or "fatty" in many Alemannic dialects . The name refers to the deep-fried treats, such as doughnuts or the indispensable "Fasnachtskiechli" (carnival fritters).
In many towns and villages in southwestern Germany, the parades, also known as "Narrensprünge" (Fools' Leaps), are a special experience. Alongside impressive costumed participants, music and fanfare bands accompany the procession. Afterwards, lively celebrations take place in pubs and festival halls. Usually on the weekend following the carnival season, the Basler Morgenstreich (Basel Morning Striking) takes place in neighboring Basel. The "Scheibenschlagen" (disk striking) marks the end of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht (carnival).
The Rottweiler Fool's Leap
The Rottweil Fools' Leap is one of the most traditional and impressive carnival events in Baden-Württemberg. It takes place every year in Rottweil, the oldest city in the state, and attracts thousands of visitors.
The Fools' Leap is an integral part of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet (Carnival) and begins at 8 a.m. on both Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday. Hundreds of fools in intricately carved wooden masks and magnificent costumes leap through the historic old town in the typical "Fools' Leap" step. The main figures of the procession are the Gschellnarr, Schantle, Federahannes , and the Fransennarr , whose characteristic costumes and masks create a unique atmosphere.
What is particularly impressive is the close connection between tradition and community – the fool’s jump is carried out according to fixed rules that have been preserved for centuries. Accompanied by Guggen music, fool’s calls like “Hu Hu Hu!” and a lively atmosphere, the Rottweiler fool’s jump is an absolute must for carnival lovers!
Always worth a visit - the colorful hustle and bustle in the Black Forest and the region
Thanks to reports and numerous television broadcasts, the Fasnacht (Carnival) in the Black Forest has been booming for years. Impressive parades take place in towns like Hornberg , Rottweil, and Furtwangen . The contrast to the Rhineland Carnival is precisely what makes it so appealing to many visitors. The artfully carved masks and elaborate costumes captivate the audience. A look behind the scenes and at the historical roots of this colorful festivities is well worth it. In 2014, the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. A cultural treasure to celebrate!
Carnival specialties from the Black Forest
Carnival season also includes special culinary delights. In the Black Forest, the following specialties are particularly popular:
- Fastnachtsküchle – sweet pieces of dough deep-fried in fat
- Striebli – spiral-shaped fried pastries
- shards – thin, crispy pastry sheets with powdered sugar
- Carnival soup – rich meat broth with garnish
- Sour tripe – traditional dish made from beef stomach
These delicacies can be found in many Black Forest inns and cafes during the carnival season.
Some more questions about Carnival
What is the carnival in the Black Forest and what is its significance?
Fasnacht is part of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and is one of the oldest traditions in southern Germany. It has its origins in pre-Christian times, when people used noise and masks to drive away winter and evil spirits.
When does the carnival take place in the Black Forest?
The carnival season traditionally begins on January 6 (Epiphany) with the first events and builds to its climax in the week before Ash Wednesday. The most important days are: Dirty Thursday (Old Women's Carnival), Carnival Friday to Shrove Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday.
What are the most famous carnival parades in the Black Forest?
Rottweiler Fool's Jump, Villingen Fasnet, Elzach Schuttig Parade, Freiburg Fasnet, Haslach Fool's Jump
Which masks and figures are typical for the Black Forest Carnival?
The carnival figures vary regionally, but some are particularly well-known: the Gschellnarr with his colorful jacket and bells, the Schantle with his laughing mask, the Federahannes with his feathered cloak and acrobatic leaps, the Schuttig with his red costume and horns, and the Hansele with his colorful traditional dress. They contribute to the unique atmosphere.
Are there also culinary specialties during Carnival time?
Fasnachtsküchle (fried, sugared dough pieces), Black Forest Scherben (crispy, fried dough), Kutteln (offal dish, popular on Ash Wednesday), Brägele (fried potatoes with bacon and onions) and special Närrisches Bier.
