Hesse's Carnival 2026 dazzles with record crowds and flawless safety measures
Carnival 2026 in Hesse has been hailed as a resounding success, with celebrations unfolding peacefully and joyfully across the region. Authorities reported no serious crimes, marking a significant improvement in safety compared to previous years.
The festival season kicked off with the Nordhessen feiert Karneval event in Baunatal on 8 and 15 February. Traditional carnival acts, comedy, and live music drew large crowds. Just a week later, Gießen hosted central Hesse's biggest parade on 15 February, followed by the Taunus Carnival in Oberursel—the largest of its kind in the region.
The highlight came on 16 February with Fulda's Rosenmontag parade, featuring around 250 floats and over 4,000 participants. Dieburg's Fastnacht parade on 17 February wrapped up the main events, with roughly 70 groups taking part. Throughout, police deployed their 'three-ring concept', ensuring high visibility and rapid response.
Firefighters and emergency services played a crucial role, demonstrating exceptional dedication. Their presence, combined with the €1.5 million Safe Events programme, helped keep incidents to a minimum. Even typical crowd-related issues remained low, despite the sheer number of attendees.
Organisers and local authorities praised the smooth coordination between security teams, volunteers, and participants. The result was a festival atmosphere marked by respect and good spirits.
The success of Carnival 2026 sets a positive tone for Hesse's upcoming festivals. With robust safety measures and strong community engagement, the region now looks ahead to more well-organised events this year. The Safe Events funding will continue to support municipalities and organisers in maintaining these high standards.
