Mainz Rose Monday Parade

The 2028 Rose Monday parade in Mainz

On Rose Monday the city of Mainz belongs to its Fastnacht. The Rosenmontagszug, organised by the Mainzer Carneval-Verein, is among the largest parades on the Rhine, with floats full of political and local satire, marching bands, guard groups and many thousands of costumed spectators. The call Helau echoes along the route.

This page covers the 2028 parade, which happens at the very end of February, later in the year than the 2027 edition.

The date for 2028

Rose Monday 2028 is Monday 28 February. The date follows from Easter, which falls on 16 April 2028, and Rose Monday comes 48 days before Easter Sunday. Weiberfastnacht, the Thursday that opens the street carnival, is 24 February, and Ash Wednesday is 1 March. Since 2028 is a leap year, there is a 29 February after the parade, which makes the season feel slightly longer.

The calculation is dependable, but the starting time and route are set by the organiser. Look at the MCV's announcements shortly before the event.

History and atmosphere

Mainz Fastnacht grew in the nineteenth century into an organised carnival with associations, sessions and the parade, and the MCV is part of that history. It is known for political cabaret, and the parade reflects this: the floats often carry sharp caricatures of public figures and current debates. Many residents prepare costumes for weeks.

The street atmosphere is relaxed and noisy at the same time. Strangers share drinks, sing along with the bands and catch sweets thrown from the floats. Anyone who dislikes crowds should pick a spot near the edge of the route or choose another day.

What to see, do and eat

Besides the parade itself, a visit gives you the opportunity to see the Mainz cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, the Rhine bank and the historic market square. In late February, the weather may be cold, so indoor stops are handy.

Order Weck, Worscht und Woi, Spundekäs with pretzels or Handkäs mit Musik in a traditional tavern. Fastnachtsküchelchen are the seasonal sweet. Wine from nearby Rheinhessen is the natural drink.

Getting there and where to stay

Mainz is connected by regional trains and S-Bahn to Frankfurt, Wiesbaden and the airport, and also lies on long-distance lines along the Rhine. On parade day, additional trains run but are crowded, and the transport operators often publish special plans. Parking in the centre is practically impossible.

Hotels sell out well in advance for the carnival weekend. Staying in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt or along the Rhine and travelling in by train is usually easier.

Public holidays and vacation days in 2028

Rose Monday, 28 February 2028, is a working day by law in Rheinland-Pfalz, though many local employers and schools give the day off. Check your own contract. Seeing the parade costs one vacation day, and the preceding weekend, 26 and 27 February, is free. The nearest public holidays are New Year's Day, which fell on a Saturday, and Good Friday on 14 April, so no bridge day exists. A longer trip with Weiberfastnacht on Thursday 24 February would require up to three days off in total.

The parade suits groups of friends, families with older children and fans of satire and costume. Dress warmly, plan your return trip early, and keep an eye on official transport information.

Because the parade is a single day, think about the whole day and not only the procession. Arrive in the morning, find a place along the route, and decide in advance where you will meet if your group gets separated, because mobile networks are often overloaded in dense crowds. Bring a small bag, a charged phone and cash for drinks, and leave large backpacks at home, since bag checks and restrictions can apply near the route. Families with small children should pick a side street away from the main stretch.