Germany is gearing up for another vibrant Weiberfastnacht celebration on February 27, 2025, as cities and towns across the country prepare for parades, parties, and communities coming together to honor this cherished tradition.
Weiberfastnacht, or Women’s Carnival Day, sees women taking center stage, often marking the start of the street carnival season. This year, the festivities promise to be no different, with events planned throughout various locations including Mönchengladbach, Münster, Solingen, Bochum, and Mainz.
Beginning with Mönchengladbach, the city will kick off the celebrations, albeit without its official royalty this year. The royal couple, Prince Alexander I and Princess Niersia Kathrin, are unable to attend due to health reasons, as confirmed by the Pressesprecher of the Mönchengladbach Carnival Association, Ralf Noehles. Despite this setback, the program will continue as planned with lively performances from dance groups and local entertainers. Events for Altweiber will include various parties and activities, with the city encouraging residents to join the revelry.
Over at Münster, the streets are set to be transformed as residents gather for lively parties particularly focused around the Jüdefelder and Alten Steinweg. The day starts early on Weiberfastnacht with the Hiltruper Altweiber-Party at the Hiltruper Stadthalle at 5:11 PM, featuring DJ Lius. Other venues, such as Cuba and Früh, will host their parties starting from 9:11 AM, showcasing the local nightlife enthusiasm.
Solingen will also join the celebrations on the same day, with ample activities planned. Tradition dictates Altweiber be celebrated with the local women's carnival community taking the lead. President of the Höhscheider Carnival Association, Thomas Graf, stated, "Die Karnevalistinnen übernehmen die jecke Sache... mit einem bunten Programm, bei dem alle Tanzgarden aus Solingen im Wechsel auftreten werden." This highlights the significance of women's involvement during the festivities. Beginning at 11 AM, the city will host the ceremonial handing over of the mayor's key to the royal couple, Simone I and Timo I, introducing the official start of the day full of revelries.
Further up north, Bochum is poised for similar festivities. The evening will see the return of the popular act, the Sixx Paxx, known for their engaging performances at the Prater venue. They are, as event organizers put it, "versprechen auch in diesem Jahr wieder die heißeste Show Deutschlands." The city promises to offer various events throughout the day, making it another key destination for carnival enthusiasts.
Residents of Mainz will also enjoy the Weiberfastnacht, with transport services making it easier to reach events with the Fastnacht Narrenkarte, valid for six days for only 11 euros. This initiative encourages festival-goers to utilize public transport to join the celebrations without hassle.
Communities have rallied together to support these events, with local businesses getting involved by providing sponsorships and hosting activities. This spirit of cooperation offers just one way to demonstrate the impact of Weiberfastnacht on local society; highlighting unity, fun, and engagement among participants. Such sentiments were echoed by media outlets noting, "Münster Helau! Auch in diesem Jahr wird an Altweiber ausgelassen gefeiert."
The sense of togetherness permeates through the festivities, celebrated by men and women alike as they embrace this key cultural event. It is not just about beautiful costumes and lively music; it's about shared experiences, laughter, and creating memories together during this exciting time of the year.
With these various events planned and the community's participation, 2025's Weiberfastnacht is on track to be another unforgettable celebration. Excitement resonates through the air, and residents are counting down the days until Berlin's streets are filled once more with laughter and festivity as they gear up for Rosenmontag on March 4, 2025.