The annual Nockherberg event, marking its significance as one of Bavaria's premier political satire shows, took place on March 12, 2025. This year's edition featured comedian Maximilian Schafroth's highly anticipated Fastenpredigt, alongside the traditional Singspiel—an entertaining blend of satire aimed at political figures.
Starting at 19:00, the event saw 600 invited guests gather at Munich's iconic Nockherberg. The Bayerische Rundfunk (BR) broadcast the festivities live, ensuring audiences both on-site and at home could enjoy the comedic critiques of the Bavarian political elite.
Maximilian Schafroth, known for his sharp wit, served as the Fastenprediger for the fifth consecutive year. Adorned in monk's robes, he opened with the jovial greeting "Salve pater patriae! Bibas, princeps optime!", welcoming the Bavarian Prime Minister, Markus Söder, along with other political dignitaries, to what has been referred to as the "political hysterics of Nockherberg." Schafroth delivered his sermon with pointed humor, throwing barbs at Bavarian policies and the political climate following the recent Bundestagswahl.
During his Fastenpredigt, Schafroth used humor to address contentious topics, including the socio-economic divides prevalent within society. “Der Neid der Geringverdiener auf die Bürgergeldempfänger scheint geradezu erwünscht zu sein,” he remarked, provoking laughter and some murmurs of discomfort from the audience, which included various CSU members.
Markus Söder, who frequently found himself the subject of Schafroth's ridicule, commented post-show on the evening’s entertainment, saying, "Es hat schon stärkere Reden gegeben." Despite acknowledging the criticism he'd received, he maintained his usual composure, indicating the playful nature of the event even as the barbs landed.
The Singspiel, titled "Ein Wadl für Deutschland," integrated themes from the recently concluded election, ensuring it remained timely. Performers included Thomas Unger as Söder, Nikola Norgauer playing Olaf Scholz, and Christian Pfeil embodying Christian Lindner, among others. The set was vibrant, resembling Bavarian folklore and festival traditions. The characters hilariously navigated through mock coalition negotiations on stage, effectively turning political critiques and public sentiment toward the absurdity often found within political dealings.
One standout moment featured Friedrich Merz’s double, David Zimmerschied, delivering lines reminiscent of theatrical comedy, effectively highlighting the perception of political grandstanding, as he lamented about the unrealistic promises made during the campaigns. The audience erupted with laughter at one point, where commentary around coalition negotiations unfolded hilariously, leaving many politicians on stage squirming and laughing.
The event encapsulated not just Bavarian humor but also the pressing political realities, with audience members like Michaela Kaniber not fully on board with Schafroth's portrayal of the CSU. She responded, “Die Bezeichnung als 'christsoziales Tradwife' wohl nicht sehr lustig gefunden,” hinting at the contentious nature of jokes aimed at women politicians.
The blend of comedy, music, and political commentary made the night memorable, showcasing the struggles of politicians under the weight of public scrutiny and the media's spotlight. The power of humor to address serious matters was evident, as Schafroth wrapped up the evening with calls for moderation and humanity among politicians, especially following recent tragedies.
He urged the audience to "Bleibt menschlich," invoking the spirit of empathy necessary during political debates, which resonate beyond the jest of the stage. The Nockherberg tradition continues to demonstrate the integral role of satire within democratic discourse, reminding audiences of the power of humor to challenge authority and provoke thought.
To catch the show or relive the best moments, BR scheduled the television replay for March 15, making it accessible for those who missed the live broadcast. This event remains not only entertaining but also reflective of the current social and political landscapes.
The Nockherberg 2025 successfully blended fun with serious reflections on Bavaria's political climate, showcasing how laughter can coexist with critique, making it not merely entertainment but also a medium for dialogue.