The Nockherberg celebrated its 2025 installment on March 12, with the much-anticipated traditional "Derblecken"—a satirical roast of politicians—drawing not just local but also national attention.
Beginning at 7 PM and running until around 10 PM, the event featured the sharp wit of Fastenprediger Maximilian Schafroth, who delivered his fifth consecutive Fastenpredigt, with this year's satirical speech expected to poke fun at the Bavarian political elite.
Broadcasted live by Bayerischer Rundfunk, the event was not only attended by 600 invited guests but also accessible via television and online live stream. For those who missed the live airing, the broadcast will be repeated on March 15 at 8:15 PM. The Nockherberg has become synonymous with political critique, served with beer during the Starkbierfest, enhancing its cultural and entertainment value.
This year's Singspiel, titled "Ein Wadl für Deutschland," showcased satirical performances by actors portraying prominent politicians including Thomas Unger as Markus Söder and Nikola Norgauer as Olaf Scholz. The unique title has generated speculation about its meaning, promising both humor and insightful commentary on current political issues.
Notably, the fast-paced preparations for this year's event were complicated by the early Bundestagswahl held just weeks before the show, which required the directors, Richard Oehmann and Stefan Betz, to adapt their scripts constantly to reflect the swiftly changing political climate.
Schafroth's critiques were directed at various politicians, with many guests finding the jabs particularly pointed. Michaela Kaniber, the Bavarian Minister of Agriculture from the CSU, reacted unfavorably to being called a "christsoziales Tradwife" during the Fastenpredigt, stating afterwards, “I didn’t find it very amusing.”
Meanwhile, Söder expressed his mixed feelings post-event, claiming, "There have been stronger speeches," and emphasized how the Greens had triggered such tough commentary more than once.
Adding to the humor, Aiwanger jokingly responded, when prompted if he could cook, "No, but I promise to continue working politically, so Stefan Murr can still portray me on stage for years to come!" This light-heartedness overshadowed the seriousness of political accountability, especially dealing with hot topics like asylum policies highlighted during the Singspiel.
The Singspiel also played with current events, featuring segments such as Abtasten der Wadl (feeling the calves) to choose coalition partners, prominently involving Friedrich Merz who had to perform this symbolic gesture with humor and theatrical flair, enhancing the evening's entertainment.
Despite some uneasy reactions from the audience toward specific comments, Schafroth urged politicians to promote moderation and civility amid rising tensions fueled by tragic events such as recent attacks in Munich. He asserted, "Angst essen Seele auf," reminding attendees of the need for humanity and compassion within political discourse.
The Nockherberg not only brings laughter but acts as a reflection pool for the political scene, stimulating discussions among attendees both during and after the performance.
With 2025 marking another year of the Nockherberg tradition, the evening’s combination of laughter and reflection captures the essence of Bavarian culture, reminding all who attend and watch of the power and necessity of comedy as both entertainment and social critique.
Events like these hold significant weight and importance, particularly as political climates continue to shift dramatically. Societal norms demand active engagement with those at the helm of decision-making; through humor and satire, individuals often find common ground to address significant issues troubling their communities.
The live performance ended with all actors uniting for the finale, belting out songs of political absurdity to the cheers and applause of onlookers, ensuring Nockherberg remains not just a night to mock but a powerful platform to voice public opinion against the backdrop of Bavarian hospitality and tradition.