Lower Saxony is abuzz with excitement as Carnival celebrations kick off across the region on March 1, 2025, with cities like Osnabrück, Braunschweig, Ganderkesee, Damme, and Hannover hosting energetic festivities.
Osnabrück's Carnival Parade is one of the highlights of the day, known for its jubilant spirit. The festivities begin at 2:11 PM at Restaurant Neue Mühle on Kollegienwall 12, featuring around 1,800 enthusiastic revelers and 73 floats and dance groups. The local organizing committee, Bürgerausschuss Osnabrücker Karneval, has confirmed the anticipation of 30,000 spectators eager to partake inm the revelry. The festivities will include a designated "family zone" for children from 1 PM to 2 PM, ensuring everyone can enjoy this annual tradition. Following the parade, participants will storm the town hall, leading to celebrations on the town square complete with live music.
Meanwhile, Braunschweig gears up for its 47th edition of the Schoduvel, the largest Carnival parade in Northern Germany. Kicking off at 12:40 PM from Europaplatz, the parade is expected to last about four hours and span five kilometers. More than 5,000 participants, along with around 130 themed floats, will bring music and celebration to the streets with the cheering crowd. Notably, this year's celebration will be led by an elephant sculpture, which pays homage to the historical connection of the parade to the time when it was led by a circus elephant over 40 years ago. A jury will award the coveted "jeckenpott" for the best float, adding to the competitive spirit of the event.
Also part of the vibrant continuation of traditions is Ganderkesee, where the local Carnival group anticipates thousands of visitors for their parade, set to begin at 2 PM and last roughly three hours. The amount of candy thrown from floats, known as kamelle, is expected to be impressive, estimated to weigh ten tons. The energetic atmosphere is set for family-friendly fun and community bonding.
Damme set the tone for the festivities earlier, hosting one of the largest parades on February 23, 2025. Approximately 9,000 participants contributed over 200 floats and performance groups. An interesting facet of Damme’s celebration is its tradition of holding Carnival one week earlier than other towns, stemming from church regulations established back in 1892 aimed at controlling revelry during Lent. The community has since embraced its unique timing, holding on to its festive spirit.
Hannover will not be left out, with its traditional Carnival parade beginning at 1:11 PM from the New Town Hall. Featuring about ten floats and eight musical groups, the parade will treat its attendees to tons of sweets tossed to the delighted crowd. The local community is encouraged to join the colorful spectacle, embracing the festive atmosphere.
For families seeking festive fun, Nienstedt is offering a lively children's Carnival party from 2 PM to 5 PM, filled with games, face painting, and delicious treats like cakes and waffles. The children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters, making it a welcoming environment for creativity and joy.
All these events come together to encapsulate the jubilant spirit of Carnival across Lower Saxony, celebrating community, tradition, and the promise of spring. With various festivities planned, residents and visitors alike can find delight, inspiration, and camaraderie this Carnival season.