The famous “Buchener Faschenacht”, with a tradition reaching back over 500 years, has turned Buchen into the carnival centre of the Baden part of Franconia. The carnival association “FG Narrhalla” was founded in 1879 by the amalgamation of individual carnival societies.
Hundreds of “Huddelbätzen”, the famous Buchen carnival figure, entertain the crowd with their singing and dancing. They are present at the traditional Buchen “Gänsemarsch” on Carnival Sunday and the big procession on Shrove Monday.
The well-known Buchen carnival slogan “Hinne houch” (‘up at the back’) can be heard in all the colourfully decorated streets and alleys. Also present at every event is the “Buchener Blecker”, the medieval symbol of the Buchen carnival. Everyone has to pay their respect by kissing its backside, a ‘must’ during the carnival week. The importance of the Buchen Faschenacht becomes obvious when looking at the success of the “FG Narrhalla” which has hosted the international carnival festival (Narrentreffen) three times already, in 1980, 1990 and 2002. With their colourful appearance and their temperament they impress local and international audiences. Their connections reach far beyond the city limits.
More information on the Buchen Faschenacht:
The different Buchen neighbourhoods also cultivate their carnival traditions. During the carnival week, not only the “Narrhalla”, but also the “Hettemer Fregger”, the “Heeschter Berkediebe”, the “Getzemer Narre”, the “Götzianer Heddebör”, the “Hauschemer Klingemänner” and the “Beddemer Hannmertli” all know how to party!
