Richtenberg and Velgast: fools storm the town halls at the start of the carnival!

Richtenberg and Velgast: fools storm the town halls at the start of the carnival!

The carnival season begins in Richtenberg and Velgast on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. In Richtenberg, Mayor Frank Grape himself will hand over the city treasury to the fools in front of the town hall door. The spectacle carries the traditional saying “If you have grief, you have trouble, drink a real Richtenberger!” Amid cheerful shouts and enthusiastic spectators, including many daycare children, the ceremony becomes the highlight of the day. Cars driving past also create an atmosphere with their honking concerts, which rounds off the festive setting perfectly.

The 43rd season of the Richtenberg Carnival Club (RCC) has a lot to offer. On November 15th, a large street parade starts at 10 a.m. from the Richtenberg industrial area to the market square. Here the Richtenberg carnivalists will present over 15 colorfully decorated floats, accompanied by two marching bands. A special highlight: The new royal couple will be proudly presented above the market square during the parade. The nightwear balls on the weekends of November 15th and 22nd are already sold out, which proves once again that the Richtenberg Carnival is very popular.

Festival parades in Velgast

There will also be festivities in Velgast on the same day. The Velgast Carneval Club (VCC) parade starts at the community center at 5:45 p.m. Here Mayor Christian Griwahn will hand over the key to the municipal treasury. The VCC is also conscious of tradition and has integrated its battle cry “Velgast, woak up” into every event. A small program is offered for the participants while the anticipation grows for the Velgast Nightwear Ball on November 15th at 7:30 p.m. An unforgettable evening awaits guests under the motto “Confetti, happiness, fool’s burden – we are celebrating the Golden Prize of Velgast”.

The Velgast Carneval Club, founded in September 1986, now has around 50 members and adopts many carnival traditions from the 50s and 60s. President Ulrike has led the club since 1990 and ensures that the old boy is upheld at all events. The club actively participates in village events and is pleased about the positive response from guests.

Carnival culture and traditions

Carnival, which has different names in Germany such as Fastelovend or Fasching, is more than just a collection of colorful costumes and happy celebrations. It is a deeply rooted custom with historical roots that dates back to ancient times. In Catholic-dominated regions, such as the Rhineland, it has been celebrated for centuries. The regional character is reflected in various customs. While carnival has only gained popularity in Protestant areas in the last 30 years, celebrations are an integral part of social life in the Rhenish carnival strongholds such as Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf.

The first celebrations begin with the foolish events on January 6th and the hot phase starts on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Numerous events will also be organized in Richtenberg and Velgast from November 11th, which will accompany the colorful hustle and bustle until Ash Wednesday. The carnival parades, which take place between Women's Carnival and Shrove Monday, not only captivate numerous participants, but also thousands of spectators. A clear appeal to everyone who wants to experience the joy of carnival: stretch your neck and just stop by!

Many remembered the traditional carnival season, when people dressed up and threw “camels” – sweets – around in the procession. A pleasure that connects people and strengthens the community. The anticipation for the upcoming festivities in Richtenberg and Velgast couldn't be greater.