East German Carnival Declared Saxon Intangible Cultural Heritage

The vibrant carnival and Fasching culture of East Germany has officially been added to the state list of intangible cultural heritage in Saxony. The Saxon State Ministry for Culture and Tourism announced that this East German carnival tradition has roots stretching back to the Middle Ages.

"Over generations, dedicated volunteers have preserved and developed this special cultural form," stated Barbara Klepsch, the State Minister for Culture and Tourism. Currently, an estimated 930 associations with 95,000 members actively participate in carnival activities across the East German states. Both Thuringia and Brandenburg have also previously recognized carnival on their respective state heritage lists.

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Over generations, dedicated volunteers have preserved and developed this special cultural form.

The East German carnival and Fasching associations, led by Thuringia, have submitted a joint application for "Carnival, Fasching, Fastnacht in East Germany" to be included in the national register of intangible cultural heritage. A decision on this federal application is expected from the Conference of Cultural Ministers of the German states in an upcoming session.

For the carnival and Fasching associations in Saxony, this recognition is a significant acknowledgment. Jörg Weiser, President of the Association of Saxon Carnival, expressed, "We feel honored and valued." He highlighted that these associations are not only custodians of tradition and culture but also play vital roles in youth work and social engagement. Importantly, this new status opens up opportunities for these associations to apply for cultural funding, which has been a challenge for carnival organizers in the past.

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We feel honored and valued.