Carnival Season in Bavaria 2025

While Carnival, or Fasching, is celebrated across Germany, certain regions showcase particularly unique traditions. As a predominantly Catholic celebration, it thrives in Bavaria, with customs varying by location. Franconia, in northern Bavaria, is a hotspot for festivities, but Munich hosts one of the largest Fasching events in the state. Würzburg, however, claims Bavaria’s biggest Fasching parade, making it a must-see during the season.

Carnival Season all over Bavaria

After the crowning of the Fasching prince and princess (das Faschingsprinzenpaar) in mid-January, preparations begin for the lively week leading up to Ash Wednesday. Although the Carnival season spans over a month, the main festivities peak on Faschingssonntag (the Sunday before Ash Wednesday) and Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday). On Ash Wednesday, many Munich restaurants mark the start of Lent by offering fish specialties, a tradition symbolizing the season of fasting.

Bavarian Fasching Locations

In Bavaria, Fasching celebrations are particularly vibrant in towns like Mittenwald, Krün, Oberau, and Wallgau, where traditional customs play a significant role. The central squares in these villages become the focal points for festivities, filled with lively parades and cultural displays. In central Bavaria’s Altmühltal region, carnival parades are hosted in Kinding (Sunday), Enkering (Monday), and Kipfenberg (Tuesday), showcasing local charm. Additionally, Markt Indersdorf in Upper Bavaria stands out for its spectacular Fasching events, drawing crowds with its festive atmosphere.

Carnival Parades

The Maschera parade is a Fasching highlight with roots stretching back 500 years. This traditional event features twelve "Schellenruehrer" (bell ringers) dressed in scary costumes and hand-carved wooden masks, each symbolizing a month of the year. Carrying heavy cowbells, they march through the streets accompanied by whip performers known as "Goaslschnalzer" and panhandlers called "Pfannenziacher." Together, these performers form a vibrant procession meant to drive out winter and awaken spring's spirit. The intricate masks and costumes passed down through generations add a unique, authentic touch to this age-old tradition.

Munich Carnival (February 23–March 4, 2025)

The Munich Carnival is a vibrant week-long celebration filled with colorful parades, lively performances, and street festivals that transform the city into a hub of joy. Running from February 23 to March 4, 2025, highlights include the whimsical Damische Ritter (Silly Knights) parade, led by Duke Kasimir through the pedestrian zones, and "München narrisch," a three-day street carnival taking over Marienplatz and Karlsplatz-Stachus. The festivities culminate on Shrove Tuesday with the legendary Dance of the Market Women at Viktualienmarkt, where performers in colorful costumes delight crowds with traditional routines. Masquerade balls, brass bands, and historical clubs add to the dynamic atmosphere, embodying Bavaria’s carnival spirit.

In Munich, the pedestrian zones come alive during the final days of the festival, hosting open-air parties with music, comedy, and vast amounts of traditional food and drink, including Krapfen, Munich’s delicious take on the doughnut. From the grand city events to the quaint village traditions, Bavarians show that they truly know how to celebrate.