On February 28, 2025, the beloved annual event "Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht" will celebrate its remarkable 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of joyous fastnacht tradition broadcast from the historic Kurfürstliches Schloss. This show, rooted deeply within Mainz's social fabric, captures the spirit of the carnival season and is renowned for its blend of comedy, music, and sharp political satire.
Since the inaugural broadcast on February 17, 1955, when the Südwestfunk first aired this unique session, the event has evolved dramatically. Notably, it reached iconic status with Ernst Neger's 1964 performance of "Humba Täterä," which captivated the audience and extended the event's runtime by over an hour thanks to enthusiastic demands for encores. With market shares peaking at 89 percent, this moment epitomized the show's impact on German television. Today, under the banner of the ARD network, the event continues to attract millions of viewers each year, cementing its title as the "mother of all television sessions."
This year, the political environment proves ripe for exploitation, as the fastnacht session is occurring during the Bundestag election year. Adi Guckelsberger, who is stepping in as the session president to replace the health-absent Andreas Schmitt, has promised a night filled with laughter and poignant commentary. He expressed the importance of the event, stating, "Die Fastnacht gibt Halt und Zuversicht," emphasizing how the event boosts morale during difficult times.
Guckelsberger, known to many as the night watchman, will guide the evening alongside notable performers like Margit Sponheimer, who will pay tribute to the rich history of the show by performing her signature hit, "Am Rosenmontag bin ich geboren." The program showcases prominent acts and musical highlights, including performances by the Mainzer Hofsänger and musical groups like "Handkäs un sei Mussig," who will debut their new fastnacht hit, "Die Fee von gestern Nacht." Other notable names like Jürgen Wiesmann will portray "Ernst Lustig," and the audience will be treated to unique creations, such as Johannes Bersch’s role as "Shirin Davids Cousine."
The 2025 edition promises to marry traditional elements with novelty, featuring politically charged humor as performers take aim at esteemed figures like CDU leader Friedrich Merz and AfD leader Alice Weidel, ensuring the night remains fresh and relevant. The artistic contributions from Lars Reichow and Florian Sitte, both known for their sharp wits, will provide opinions wrapped charmingly with humor, highlighting the show's commitment to addressing current political landscapes.
With the event expected to draw approximately five million viewers, excitement is palpable as the audience anticipates the mixture of laughter and biting critiques. For those unable to participate, the show will be available for replay on the ARD Mediathek, ensuring the joyous spirit of Mainz reaches even those who cannot tune in live.
This historic milestone will not only reflect on the last seventy years but also serve as a promising platform for the future of Mainz fastnacht. The session embodies the humorous resilience of the region’s culture, supporting local traditions even amid social and political changes. Viewers are preparing for what promises to be another memorable night filled with laughter, music, cultural reflection, and political insight, encapsulating everything beloved about Mainz's fastnacht.
For anyone interested, "Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht" will air live today at 20:15 on ARD and can also be streamed online for free, making it accessible for all fans of the vibrant Mainz culture to engage with the festivities as they happen.