The annual Nockherberg 2025 event brought to life the unique Bavarian tradition of Derblecken, where politicians are humorously critiqued during the Starkbierprobe on March 12, 2025. Hosted at the Paulaner brewery, the event kicked off at 19:00 and featured the renowned Fastenpredigt delivered by comedian Maximilian Schafroth for the fifth consecutive year. With 600 invited guests, including prominent political figures and entertainers, the atmosphere was charged with humor and satire.
This year's Singspiel featured the intriguing title "Ein Wadl für Deutschland," with performances by actors portraying key politicians such as Thomas Unger as Markus Söder, Nikola Norgauer as Olaf Scholz, and David Zimmerschied as Friedrich Merz. Each actor brought their character to life amid current political discussions, weaving elements from the recent Bundestagswahl, which had taken place just weeks prior, directlyinto the script. The Singspiel highlighted the political dynamics of the period, creating relatable content for the audience. Schafroth’s Fastenpredigt and the Singspiel ran until approximately 22:00, engaging viewers both live and via the broadcast by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR).
Maximilian Schafroth did not hold back during his Fastenpredigt, delivering sharp critiques of various politicians. During his address, Schafroth made headlines for referring to Michaela Kaniber as "christsoziales Tradwife," which was not well-received by some audience members. He also addressed sensitive topics, such as the Munich attack, urging politicians to remain grounded and connected to humanity. His humor created both laughter and discomfort, making it evident why the Nockherberg is regarded as one of Bavaria's premier political satire events.
The finale of the Singspiel was particularly memorable, featuring the song, "Mit Mäusen oder Kröten wird es halb so Kacke sein," performed as politicians joked about current crises and economic solutions. This was emblematic of the playful yet pointed satire characteristic of the event. Schafroth's witty commentary included jokes about political figures’ antics on the campaign trail, and he even critiqued Friedrich Merz's previous media appearances, likening them to fanciful absurdities.
Schafroth's humor seamlessly blended with the performances of the Singspiel cast. The actors portrayed various antics on stage, including the whimsical 'Wadl-Raten' game, where Friedrich Merz had to select his coalition partner based on feeling the calves of female politicians, creating both laughter and reflection on the realities of coalition politics. Contentious issues surrounding party performances were woven throughout the sketches, keeping the audience's attention as they laughed at the well-scripted jabs.
Luise Kinseher, who returned to the event, engaged the crowd, marking the start with the iconic phrase "Salve pater patriae! Bibas, princeps optime!" as she served the first jug of Starkbier to Gov. Söder. This moment symbolized the beginning of the festivities, whipping the audience up with palpable Bavarian pride as they enjoyed the camaraderie of the gathering.
Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the undercurrents of political discourse remained ever-present. The aftermath of the Bundestagswahl infused the performances with tension and commentary relevant to contemporary Bavarian politics. Actors and musicians collaborated to create entertaining yet poignant performances, allowing political jokes to serve as reflections of the present.
The traditional Bavarian imagery filled the stage as performers enacted scenarios reminiscent of modern coalition negotiations, offering spontaneous quips and references to real current affairs. The overall experience was entertaining but highly reflective of the socio-political climate.
This year’s Nockherberg also allowed for new faces on stage. Eli Wasserscheid made her debut portraying Dorothee Bär, enlivening the event with fresh perspectives and humor, especially when wittily interacting with the veteran performers. The dynamic of old versus new created interesting character interactions, showcasing the breadth of political satire from the past and present.
The Nockherberg also did not shy away from more serious undertones embedded within the comedy. From invoking solidarity among politically disillusioned audiences to addressing societal pressures and expectations, the Fastenpredigt delivered not just humor but social critique.
Maximilian Schafroth's tagline, "Bleibts menschlich," echoed through the event, urging attendees and viewers to stay human amid the political rhetoric—an important reminder as the satire continued to evoke both laughter and thoughtfulness.
Moving forward, the continuity of the Nockherberg tradition ensures its place within Bavarian culture. With increasing viewership numbers and participants eager to engage with political humor, the Nockherberg might be more than just entertainment; it could act as an important forum for discussion about Bavaria’s future.
If you missed the event live, Bayerischer Rundfunk will air repeat broadcasts, allowing viewers additional opportunities to catch the wit and reflections of this year's performances. The Nockherberg 2025 promises to remain relevant to its rich tradition of blending humor and politics and will continue to entertain and engage audiences for years to come.