Children’s and Youth Carnival Parade 2026

The Mainz Children's and Youth Mask Parade is the largest parade of young fools in Europe and a fixed part of Mainz Carnival. Every year on the Saturday before Carnival, it attracts thousands of children, teenagers, and families to the city center of Mainz and delights with imaginative costumes, music, and lots of good cheer.

At 2:11 PM, the festive parade starts and leads through large parts of the city center. Along the route, carnival clubs, schools, kindergartens, youth organizations, and music groups present themselves with creative contributions and colorful motifs. The parade route runs through Boppstraße, Kaiserstraße, Schillerplatz, Ludwigsstraße, and ends at Flachsmarkt.

Every year, the Children's and Youth Mask Parade has its own theme. This year, everything revolves around fruits and vitamins: "Apples, pears, peaches, mirabelles, cherries, plums, and more! Fruits that contain a lot of vitamins, all children around the world know. And bring it with lots of fun as fruit dwarfs into golden Mainz!" Since the first Children's and Youth Mask Parade in 1957, the event has already conveyed the joy of Mainz Carnival to the youngest and sparked enthusiasm for this special tradition. With its family-friendly atmosphere, the large participation of young active members, and changing themes, the parade is a colorful highlight for visitors of all ages.