Feb 12 • 16:30 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

A Year of Intangible Cultural Heritage: This Is How Dietfurt Celebrates Chinese Carnival

The Chinese Carnival in Dietfurt, Germany, attracted thousands of revelers celebrating the recognition of the event as part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage.

The Chinese Carnival in Dietfurt, located in the Oberpfalz region of Germany, was a vibrant celebration that drew thousands of participants and spectators alike. The highlight of this event was an afternoon parade featuring around 50 groups, showcasing a colorful and lively atmosphere despite the unpredictable weather conditions. This year's theme, "With Bamboo and Pretzel - it's not wrong - we celebrate heritage - in the Year of the Horse!" references the recognition of the Chinese Carnival as an intangible cultural heritage of Germany, which occurred in 2025.

The festivities traditionally commence on "Unsinnigen Donnerstag" (Shrove Thursday) at 2 AM, marking the start of the carnival as the local characters known as Maschkaras, who are traditional fastnacht figures, awaken residents with loud noises. The celebration continues throughout the day, culminating with a symbolic 'burial' of the carnival at midnight. This event is deeply rooted in local folklore, tied to the legend of the townspeople historically refusing entry to a tax collector, adding an interesting historical context to the festivities.

With its rich traditions and cultural significance, the Chinese Carnival has become a noteworthy spectacle not just for local residents but for visitors from across the region, highlighting the community's identity and cultural resilience. The fact that it has been designated as an intangible cultural heritage adds to its importance, reinforcing the cultural ties and celebratory spirit prevalent in Dietfurt, thereby promoting local tourism and community engagement.

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