Fastnacht in Franken 2026: Veitshöchheim Prepares for Germany’s Premier Carnival Gala
VEITSHÖCHHEIM, 5 February 2026 – The town of Veitshöchheim is under “fools’ alert” as the Mainfrankensäle prepares to host the 2026 edition of Fastnacht in Franken. The cult television session, which remains the highest-rated programme for Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), will reach its climax with a live broadcast tomorrow evening, bringing together the finest in Franconian wit, political satire, and traditional carnival performances.
A Night of Satire and Tradition
The 2026 session continues the long-standing tradition of the Fastnacht-Verband Franken (Franconian Carnival Association). Known for its sharp political commentary and elaborate costumes, the event attracts high-ranking Bavarian politicians who often find themselves the target of the performers’ jests. This year’s line-up features fan favourites including the “Dreggsagg” Michl Müller and ventriloquist Sebastian Reich with his puppet Amanda. However, organisers have noted that one regular star will be missing from the stage this year, though the full programme remains packed with talent from across the region, including performers from Bad Kissingen and Rhön-Grabfeld.
While the main live event takes place on 6 February, the carnival season in Veitshöchheim began earlier with the Franconian Carnival Gala on 31 January 2026, hosted by the Tanz-Sport-Garde Veitshöchheim.
Broadcast Schedule and Key Dates
For those unable to secure the highly coveted tickets to the Mainfrankensäle, BR Fernsehen provides extensive coverage and multiple opportunities to catch the highlights of the session.
| Event / Broadcast | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Live Broadcast: Fastnacht in Franken | 6 February 2026 at 19:00 |
| First Television Repeat | 7 February 2026 at 20:15 |
| Carnival Sunday Repeat | 15 February 2026 at 18:45 |
| Shrove Tuesday (Faschingsdienstag) Repeat | 17 February 2026 (Check local listings) |
| Live Summer Event: Lachen auf Banz | 5 July 2026 |
The Cultural Impact of Franconian Carnival
Fastnacht in Franken is more than just a television show; it is a cultural phenomenon that showcases the unique identity of the Franconia region. Unlike the street carnivals of Cologne or Mainz, the Veitshöchheim event is a “Prunksitzung” (gala session), focusing on stage performances, “Büttenreden” (carnival speeches), and world-class guard dancing. The event’s popularity is so significant that it often outperforms national programmes in viewership ratings within Bavaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Fastnacht in Franken take place?
The event is held annually at the Mainfrankensäle in Veitshöchheim, a town located near Würzburg in Lower Franconia.
Who are the main performers in 2026?
Key performers for the 2026 season include Michl Müller, Sebastian Reich, and Laura Rahm, alongside various carnival guilds from the Rhön-Grabfeld and Bad Kissingen districts.
Can I watch the show outside of Germany?
The programme is broadcast on BR Fernsehen, which is available via satellite across Europe and typically streamed live on the BR Mediathek website, accessible globally.