On March 12, 2025, the annual Nockherberg Starkbierprobe will take place, featuring the beloved tradition of "Derblecken." This event, which combines political satire and entertainment, draws considerable attention from viewers both on-site and across television screens. The highlight will be the Fastenpredigt delivered by Kabarettist and host Maximilian Schafroth, who will take to the stage for the fifth consecutive year to humorously critique prominent politicians.
The traditional festivities will kick off at 7 PM and are expected to last until about 10 PM. This year's scenario features 600 invited guests at the Paulaner Brewery, where the Starkbier will flow generously as the audience watches the mockery of political figures. Schafroth is known for his sharp wit, which promises to draw laughter and perhaps some discomfort from the political elite gathered before him.
Scheduled performances include the Singspiel titled "Ein Wadl für Deutschland," crafted by seasoned writers Richard Oehmann and Stefan Betz. While details about the content remain under wraps, it’s expected to contain humorous references to current events, especially considering the changing political scene after the recent parliamentary elections. The duo has had to adapt the script due to the early election date and its consequential impacts.
The Singspiel showcase will feature actors portraying prominent political figures, including Thomas Unger as Markus Söder, Nikola Norgauer as Olaf Scholz, Christian Pfeil as Christian Lindner, Thomas Limpinsel as Robert Habeck, Eli Wasserscheid as Dorothee Bär, Gerhard Wittmann as Dieter Reiter, Judith Toth as Michaela Kaniber, Stefan Murr as Hubert Aiwanger, and David Zimmerschied as Friedrich Merz. This year’s event will mark the first appearance of Eli Wasserscheid as Bär on stage.
Schafroth, often recognized for his ability to engage the audience through humor, stated his preparations for the Fastenpredigt were still under development as of late. He aims to tackle challenging subjects with levity, reflecting societal issues without losing the evening's festive spirit. His portrayal of political absurdities is bound to resonate with attendees who have gathered to witness the spectacle.
The Nockherberg of 2025 will also see the return of familiar faces, including Luise Kinseher, who will greet guests on this special evening. Known for her previous role as Mama Bavaria, Kinseher will now embody her own identity as she hands the traditional first mug of Starkbier to Söder, inviting him with the ceremonial toast, “Salve pater patriae! Bibas, princeps optime!”—a tradition holding deep roots within Bavarian culture.
Fans of the event can catch the festivities live on the Bayerischer Rundfunk television network, which will start broadcasting the evening’s events at 7 PM. For those unable to attend or watch live, the show will also be available for replay on the ARD Mediathek starting March 15. With expectations of high viewership, the previous year's live stream attracted approximately 2.6 million viewers, demonstrating the event's pulling power.
Friends and supporters alike gather at the Nockherberg for the Starkbierprobe, which dates back centuries, offering not only entertainment but also insightful commentary on the political state of affairs. With Munich's brewing traditions at the heart of the festivities, participants embrace the spirit of Bavarian community, mingling updates on political narratives with laughter and satire.
Maximilian Schafroth, along with the team behind the Singspiel, faces the challenge of delivering timely content reflecting recent political happenings, including the swift shift following the election. This challenge has influenced creative decisions, with reports indicating adaptations made to the script up to the last minute to incorporate significant recent events.
The Nockherberg serves as both entertainment and reflection, where political lines blur and humor prevails, fostering dialogue and camaraderie among those who partake. Attendees can expect vibrant decorations reflecting Bavarian flair, with the stage adorned as usual in blue and white, creating a festive atmosphere to accompany the evening’s humor.
For many, participation at the Nockherberg Starkbierprobe marks the highlight of the Bavarian festival calendar, affirming the region's strong tradition of humor and political commentary. With each year, anticipation builds around how the event will address shifting tides within Germany's political climate, making it more than just entertainment but rather, a barometer of societal sentiment.
So, as the stage prepares to light up and the brews are set to flow, all eyes will be on the Nockherberg, anticipating the laughter, surprises, and perhaps, stinging reflections on the Bavarian and federal political scenes, echoed through the voices of both the comedians and those they portray.