Schellbronn night parade — Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet
The Schellbronn night parade by Narrenbund Schellau: Alemannic carnival with costumed groups, Guggen bands and local customs in the Northern Black Forest.
In the Biet region people say Fasnet — not Karneval. Swabian-Alemannic carnival is masked, nocturnal and rooted in the land: witches, devils, fools and Guggen bands move through narrow village streets, often in cold and snow. Standing in the middle of this fifth season explains why the custom is still so alive here.
Narrenbund Schellau Schellbronn e.V. has kept the tradition since 1980. Its highlight is the night parade — traditionally on the first Saturday after Epiphany (6 January). For more than 25 years, over 2,000 costumed groups from across Baden-Württemberg have then marched through Schellbronn. Stalls and atmosphere from 3 pm; the parade starts at 6:11 pm (eleven is a fool's number). The route runs via Nagoldstraße, Wolfgasse and Unterreichenbacher Straße to the Schwarzwaldhalle.
For guests at Das Bollenhut Haus this is genuine village life on the doorstep: a short walk to the centre, lights, drums and colourful groups — from Schellehexen witches to Brunnengeister and Guggen bands. Children under 13 are often free; adults pay a small entry fee. No reservation needed, but arriving early helps.
The date follows the first Saturday after Epiphany each year (examples: 10 Jan 2026, 9 Jan 2027). Roads along the route are closed — park in good time and check schellau.de for updates. Opening gala, town hall storm and witch baptism are also part of Schellbronn's Fasnet season; the ceremonial finale is the witch burning on Shrove Tuesday.