🎭 History of the carnival in the Markgräflerland

THE Markgräflerland carnival, called locally Fasnacht Or Fasrnach, is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted folk traditions in southwestern Germany. It belongs to the large family of the Alemannic Fasnacht, a commune in the south of Baden-Württemberg, Alsace and German-speaking Switzerland.



🕯️ Medieval origins

The earliest forms of Fasnacht date back to the Middle AgesOriginally, it was a period of freedom and reversal of social roles just before the Christian LentWe took advantage of these last few days to eat, drink, dress up and mock authority, before the weeks of deprivation.

But the roots are even older:
➡️ pagan rites intended for chase away winter,
➡️ celebrate the return of the light and of spring,
➡️ to ward off evil spirits using scary masks, bells and noise.


🎭 Traditional masks and figures

In the Markgräflerland, Fasnacht is distinguished by its carved wooden masks (Larven), often handmade. Each village develops its own figures, costumes and symbols.

These characters represent:

  • grotesque or diabolical figures
  • caricatures of society
  • characters from local folklore

    • Unlike the Rhineland carnival, here tradition takes precedence over political satire and the festival remains deeply linked to local identity.


🎺 Parades and Guggenmusik

From the 19th and especially the 20th century onwards, Fasnacht became organized around carnival societies (Narrenzünfte).
They structure the events, create shared costumes, and organize:

  • of the carnival parades (Umzüge)
  • festive evenings
  • torchlit night processions
  • the appearance of the Guggenmusik, deliberately dissonant and energetic music, which has become emblematic.

⏰ Symbolic times

The Alemannic Fasnacht is also recognizable by its symbolic times, as 1:11 PM, 5:11 PM Or 7:11 PM, which recall the offbeat and mocking spirit of the festival.


🏘️ A tradition that lives on

Today, the Fasrnacht of Markgräflerland remains a very vibrant popular traditionpassed down from generation to generation. It includes:

  • residents, families, associations
  • villages and towns like Müllheim and its surroundings
  • visitors came to discover an authentic and friendly festival

    • It is a highlight of the local calendar, where regional identity, collective joy and cultural memory come together.

    🎉 Fasrnacht in the Markgräflerland is not just a festival: it is a living heritage.


🎭🎉 Carnival 2026 in Müllheim im Markgräflerland 🎉🎭

The happiest season of the year is coming in 2026 In Müllheim! 🌟
Join us to live together Fasnacht 2026With costumes, music, traditions, and joie de vivre! 🥳

📆 Dates & main events:

📍 Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Zunftabend
🕐 From 7:11 PM At Müllheim Burghers' House : festive evening with music, dancing and shows to kick off the season.

📍 Sunday, February 8, 2026 – Grand Carnival Parade
🕐 Parade starts at 1:11 PM in the city centre (Markgräfler Platz, Innenstadt); floats, marching bands and costumed groups await you in a colourful atmosphere!

📍 Thursday, February 12, 2026 – Shrove Thursday
🕐 7:30 – traditional breakfast
🕐 5:11 PM – Hemdglunki Fackelumzug (a torchlit procession around Markgräfler Platz) to prolong the festivities!

🎭 Fasnacht in Müllheim lasts officially from February 7th to 17th, 2026, with several festive moments, local traditions and carnival gatherings throughout the city.

🎉 Whether you're a fan of music, extravagant costumes, or simply a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, come one, come all to join this great celebration! 🎈

👉 Get out your costumes, invite your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable Carnival in Müllheim! 🎊

Narri-Narro! 🥳🎭