5 ways to experience the Mainz Fastnacht: the best time to make friends in Germany

Never had I ever seen such super friendly, social, and hospitable Germans as on a Saturday night during the Mainz Fastnacht, one of Germany’s oldest and largest Carnival celebrations. Was I really in Germany, though? The Germany where I had moved back to after seven years and put in a lot of effort to make new friends in a new city?

 

I know stereotypes shouldn’t be taken seriously..and it is good to see them broken. But wow, wasn’t there a huge difference between what I and the new expats around me had been observing ALL year and the sudden openness and love that came pouring out during the Carnival weekend?

 

As I woke up on Carnival Sunday with messages and pictures from the right before in the new WhatsApp group I had been added to, I recalled the night with the Mainz locals.

 

The streets were full of revelry. People in soldier costumes were more than happy to break into conversations in the middle of the streets amidst greetings of Helau , and explain the whole point of making fun of France and Napoleon’s French soldiers due to the political history. Stepping into Weinhaus Michel was a vibe in itself. We could hear music, singing, and cheering from outside. Everything was full inside- my friend and I were probably two of the few people who decided to show up without a reservation. We were asked to share a table with five strangers. Initially, we were skeptical and asked them repeatedly if they would be okay with us sitting there. We were only immediately met with smiles, positivity, and great conversation starters.

 

After some non-stop chattering, we realized that those five people were also strangers to one another! They had also just met exactly like we met them..being seated at the same table and instantly becoming friends.

 

At some point in the night, the regular dinnergoers seemed to be all standing up, singing and dancing along to the tunes; some would spontaneously start dancing with the servers, some with each other in the middle of the floor. Digestifs (shots after food) were served on the house, with Mano Habanero and others doing the rounds as orders from Reisling Schorle kept mounting up.

 

Everyone knew all the lyrics to every song played, dance trains went around the whole restaurant, everyone seemed to be friends with each other, and the revelry didn’t stop. At one point, strangers were starting to play cards together..and before you knew it, plans were made to book the same place for the same time in. a year for the next Carnival…..

 

So, how can one make the most of this festive atmosphere and make friends?

While the concept of the Fastnacht is the same throughout the region and in many Christian countries, the ‘Fifth Season’ in Mainz officially begins at 11:11 am on Nov 11 (like Cologne) with a massive inaugural event, and the main festivities take place through a Thursday to Wednesday in February. 

I asked some Mainz locals, and here are their top tips for enjoying the Mainz Fastnacht or Carnival, which this year is from February 8 to 14th, 2024.

 

1. Go out to celebrate the Altweiber Fastnacht on the Thursday the Carnival begins

The festivities begin with the Women’s Carnival at 11:11 am on the Altweiber Fastnacht Thursday. Mass energy is at the highest and people are prepared with their days off from work or school to focus on only one agenda (apart from partying and cutting men’s ties symbolically)…

 

 

2. Don’t be sober

             ..but watch your limit so you are not completely exhausted until RosenMontag

Long-term residents have mentioned that to enjoy the vibe of the Fastnacht and all the party people around you everywhere on the streets, it may be best not to be completely sober. Although- watch your intake so you don’t feel sick or exhausted by the time you get to weekend parties like the Prinzengerade Ball or Monday’s street parade. To feel a part of the carnival, don’t forget to…

 

3. Get a costume!  

Yes! Costumes are an essential part of the Mainz Carnival- similar to the Cologne Carnival. Whether you choose to go for a comfy onesie to stay warm or something more creative from the costume shop in the city, you will likely remember the carnival as more fun and connect with more people if you have one on!

 

Here are some costume ideas for you!

 

 

3. Greet people with a Helau

Another fun tip – a little greeting hurts nobody. So, feel free to greet people with a Helau anywhere you may be – streets, parties, restaurants, cafes- you name it.

 

 

If you plan to visit the city and stay here during the Carnival week, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance. Check out some options here to book your stay.

Have more Carnival tips or experiences to add? Comment below and share the story with someone who would love to partake in the fastnacht celebration!