The 70th anniversary of the legendary television program "Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht" promises to be more than just another night of festivity; it is shaping up to be a historic reunion of the show's brightest stars and the characters who have danced across screens since its inception. This iconic variety show, which made its debut on February 17, 1955, has solidified its place as the cornerstone of German Fastnacht culture.
Beginning its long and colorful history post-World War II, "Mainz bleibt Mainz" has been etched in the hearts of audiences who have eagerly awaited its lively performances year after year. The event has garnered massive popularity, typically attracting between four to five million viewers annually, making it among the most-watched broadcasts on German television.
The show's influence can be traced back to the golden days of the 1970s when Rolf Braun led performances with his signature style. This year, as they celebrate 70 years, audiences will witness the heartfelt tributes to legends like Ernst Neger, who became famous for his performance of "Humba Täterä," which famously exceeded the scheduled broadcast time by one hour due to overwhelming audience applause.
Live from the Kurfürstliches Schloss, Mainz, on February 28, 2025, the anniversary show will feature past characters being brought back to life by modern celebrities. This nostalgic celebration promises laughter and joy as showrunners strive to pay homage to those who shaped the iconic show. From the first airing, the program symbolized unity and culture, integrating political satire with festive humor.
This year's show will have modern performers portray beloved figures from the past. For example, Johannes Bersch takes on the role of the beloved "Holo-Bibi," breathing life back to memorable figures. Bersch expressed excitement, saying, "Ich freue mich, Sie zu sehen und merke: manche haben jetzt regelrecht Bibi in den Augen," which translates to, "I’m delighted to see you, and I notice some have real 'Bibi' in their eyes," capturing the essence of nostalgia.
Bringing back historic characters includes the cheeky portrayal of the "Boten vom Bundestag" (Messenger of the Bundestag) by actor Marcus Schwalbach. One of his standout lines is tantalizingly relatable: "Wollen wir uns einen schönen Abend machen, oder sind Sie auch in der FDP?" representing the sardonic humor synonymous with the show's essence.
The creative team has also collaborated with leading Fastnacht associations MCV, MCC, GCV, and KCK to come up with this special celebration. SWR editor Günther Dudek notes, "Es geht darum: Wer hat in den letzten 70 Jahren für 'Mainz bleibt Mainz' gewirkt, und an wen erinnert man sich besonders gerne," meaning, "It’s about who has shaped 'Mainz bleibt Mainz' over the last 70 years and whom we fondly recall."">
There are exciting performances lined up, including appearances by Margit Sponheimer, famed for her classic hit "Am Rosenmontag bin ich geboren," encouraging new generations to appreciate the history and joy found within the performances. Her classic song continues to resonate deeply as it embodies the very spirit of Mainz Fastnacht.
Taking to the stage will also be dynamic comedic contributions from talented performers such as Thomas Becker, portraying roles ranging from motivational newcomers to satirical summaries of celebrated political figures. These performances guarantee sharp commentary on the political scene, with humor combined with tradition offering laughter and cultural reflections.
Throughout the evening, from the lively interspersed musical numbers vibrant with current Fastnacht themes, audiences will enjoy both tradition and innovation defining the timezone since its first telecast on local channels seventy years ago. Under the new leadership of Adi Guckelsberger as session president, the event seeks to uphold the show’s legacy of fun, laughter, and astute political observations.
Fans of the show can tune in on February 28, 2025, at 20:15 CET for the live broadcast, or catch the repeat on March 4, as it showcases cherished memories infused with forward-thinking experiences crafted for the next generation. The program showcases how embedding humor and tradition affects individuals across the spectrum, distinguishing “Mainz bleibt Mainz” as enduringly relevant.
The legacy and contributions of "Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht" demonstrate how cultural institutions can flourish through the intermingling of old and new—thus creating a richer collective memory. So, whether one experiences the buzz within the palace or through the screen, this is one anniversary the audience won't want to miss!