Eastbourne says ‘Helau’ in Dortmund Karneval 2026!
Mina O'BrienMembers of the Eastbourne Carnival Committee, Mina and Marcus O’Brien, and Eastbourne Carnival entrant Bianca attended Dortmund Karneval 2026 (14th – 16th February).
We received a very warm welcome by members of Dortmund Karneval, representing Rot-Gold Wickede, Narisscher Rat, and Dortmunder Prinzegarde 2022 eV.
Our host’s Peter and Lore Brockwell took us to a number of key events that form part of the Dortmund Karneval tradition over the weekend.
Saturday 14th Feb was the official opening to the Karneval weekend, with the handing over of the ‘Key to the City’ Ceremony which brings together all the Dortmund Karneval clubs. This is a morning of great entertainment from adults and children that are part of Karneval.
We were invited to the formal presentation. The key is firstly given to the children’s Prinz Leo II, and Prinzessin Lia I, and then to the adult Prinz Jens I and Prinzessin Nadine I – Prinzenpaar der Stadt Dortmund.
Mina and Marcus were presented on stage with Karneval medals called, Sessions Orden, from the children’s Prinz Leo II, and Prinzessin Lia I, and then from the adult Prinz Jens I and Prinzessin Nadine I – Prinzenpaar der Stadt Dortmund at the event, these are not just decorative souvenirs, they represent tradition, humor, status, and appreciation within German carnival culture. Cheers and cries of Healu were shouted out to our town of Eastbourne.
Later that day, we visited the Karneval Museum of Dortmund to learn
about the rich history and traditions of the Karneval, spanning over 100 years and more! The guided tour of the Karneval Museum was presented by the director, Mr Udo Fricke.
Former medals (Ordens) from Prinz’s and Prinzessin’s of past years, photos and costumes were on show. On the coffee table was a copy of the Eastbourne Herald – with the photo of our Dortmund guests with ourselves, the Mayor and others from Eastbourne Carnival 2025 on the front page.
In the evening, we were taken to the Carnival event organised by Rot-Gold Dortmund Wickede – which again featured carnival dances, comedians, music and performance from across their community.
Karneval Sunday we all ventured out to a smaller town – Menden – to participate in their Karneval parade together with the Dortmunder Prinzegarde 2022 eV. in glorious winters’ sunshine.
A key feature of Dortmund and Menden Karneval’s, is throwing sweets into the crowds for the children and spectators – and greeting everyone with a big ‘Helau’!
We were not so lucky with the weather on Rosenmontag (Carnival Monday) for the big Dortmund Parade. We were hosted by the Dortmunder Prinzegarde 2022 eV. And were lucky to be with them on their (covered) wagon.
Despite poor weather – crowds of circa 175,000 people packed the streets of Dortmund to enjoy the Parade. Like any Carnival – rain does not stop the event, nor people from having an amazing experience.
It was great to experience the warmth and hospitality from our Carnival friends in Dortmund, over 80 members are excited to be joining us in Eastbourne for their second year at our Carnival.
Sharing each other’s history and carnival traditions has been a fabulous experience – and we hope to return to Dortmund in early February next year with more of us from Eastbourne Carnival!
Photo Credit: Frank Langgartner and Stephan Schutze
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A bit about the medals (Ordens):
Dortmund Karneval, medals (Orden) symbolise:
- Honor & recognition within carnival groups
- Humour and satire of authority
- Tradition rooted in medieval and religious history
- Iconic symbolism, such as jesters (rebellion), lions (strength), and crosses (reminder of Lent)
These medals are a traditional part of German Karneval culture and carry symbolic and historical significance.
Karneval medals were originally created as a parody of military decorations, poking fun at authority and rigid hierarchy. Over time, they evolved into honorary awards given by Karneval associations.
Today, they are commonly awarded to:
- Sponsors
- Supporters
- Performers
- Distinguished members of Karneval clubs
This tradition aligns with Karneval’s spirit of reversing social order and celebrating community contributions.
Last year some of us at Eastbourne Carnival were gifted these medals. If you are gifted one this year, remember these Karneval medals are not random souvenirs; they are official awards given out by carnival associations (“Karnevalsvereine”) according to long‑standing tradition. The most important ones to receive is from the Prince couple, both Children and Adult.