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Year-Round Carnival Activities Thrive in Saxony-Anhalt
The carnival season, spanning from November 11th to Ash Wednesday, is not the only time for carnival enthusiasts in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, as numerous events and activities keep the spirit alive throughout the year.
In an interview with the German Press Agency, Dirk Vater, president of the Saxony-Anhalt Carnival Association, revealed a myriad of year-round events that cater to a diverse range of interests. These include dance sports such as the Men's Ballet State Championship and the Carnival Dance Sports Championships. There's also a coach training program held in early June, as well as summer festivals at various clubs, where carnival enthusiasts participate alongside fair attendees.
Carnival clubs in rural areas often serve as cultural pillars, and their impact is felt through the expansion of children's dance workshops, which Vater highlighted as a priority. Bookable for private events, carnival enthusiasts offer show dances to bring the carnival atmosphere to numerous occasions.
The children's holiday camp "Carnival Makes Holidays," scheduled to take place from June 29th to July 5th, 2025, is a unique offering in Germany, according to Vater. The event, held at a youth hostel in Nebra, features a week-long circus program for 56 children. While only 45 places were offered in the past, the 15th anniversary will accommodate all registered children. This camp originated with ten children and three supervisors in an effort to provide an alternative for the next generation, and it's now garnered considerable popularity.
A youth camp for many young carnival enthusiasts is held during the last weekend of August, offering activities like canoeing, hiking, and disco. This annual event has taken place for six years.
Frequent workshop sessions focusing on carnival, singing, and club training are fixed dates in the carnival enthusiasts' calendar. On average, 25 carnival speakers gather each year for training sessions led by corresponding lecturers. Past training programs have featured carnival artists from Leipzig. Singer workshops have an annual attendance of around 45 singers, with basic training covering topics like breathing techniques and voice distribution.
The club workshop features sessions on digital media and tax law to help provide services for the affiliated clubs. Vater, who has been president for 14 years and was recently re-elected for another three years, oversees 185 clubs in the state association.
While Saxony-Anhalt’s carnival traditions may not be as renowned as those in major west German hubs, the region offers a unique blend of year-round traditions, children's programs, and engaging activities, with a focus on carnival celebrations and regional folklore.
The Community policy in Saxony-Anhalt includes vocational training programs for carnival enthusiasts, offering courses in dance, coaching, and digital media, catering to a variety of interests beyond just lifestyle activities. Furthermore, home-and-garden enthusiasts can participate in summer festivals alongside carnival participants, creating a harmony between traditional carnival activities and home-and-garden lifestyles in Saxony-Anhalt.
