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Year-round Carnival Activities in Saxony-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt, a region in Germany, isn't solely known for its carnival celebrations during the traditional season. Carnival enthusiasts keep the spirit alive throughout the year, engaging in a variety of events, workshops, and festivals.
"There's always something going on," said Dirk Vater, president of the Saxony-Anhalt Carnival State Association, speaking to the German Press Agency. He highlighted dance sports, annual competitions, and carnival dance sports championships as regular occurrences, with the men's ballet state championship and trainer training being noteworthy events held in early June.
Summer festivals, often attended by carnival enthusiasts, are also common. Club members are frequently booked for show dances at private events, and the associations aim to expand the children's dance workshop, particularly in rural areas where carnival clubs often serve as cultural carriers.
Special offerings include the "Carnival Makes Holidays" children's holiday camp, taking place at a youth hostel in Nebra from June 29th to July 5th, 2025. The camp, unique in Germany, offers a circus program for 56 children. Given its popularity over the years, 15th anniversary plans include accommodating all registered children.
A youth camp at the end of August, offering canoeing, hiking, and disco, is another long-standing tradition. Workshop meetings on topics like button making, singing, and club management are also fixed dates on the carnival enthusiasts' annual calendar.
Vater, who has been president for 14 years, has been re-elected for another three-year term. As of November 2024, the association consists of 185 clubs.
While the carnival season might not be as intense outside January or February, Saxony-Anhalt's cultural calendar remains vibrant, offering countless festive events year-round.
"In addition to carnival activities, the Saxony-Anhalt region also promotes vocational training for its club members, particularly in dance sports, with regular trainer trainings held. This holistic approach ensures a sustainable lifestyle for these community members and helps preserve cultural traditions, much like the home-and-garden upkeep required to maintain a carnival float."
"Community members are encouraged to expand their skills through vocational training programs, such as learning button making or club management. These workshops, held throughout the year, align with the home-and-garden ethos of care and cultivation, reflecting the passion and dedication of the Saxony-Anhalt carnival enthusiasts to their lifestyle and cultural heritage."
