Address delivered to inaugurate the beer festival during Lenten period
Stephan Zinner Takes the Stage as the 2026 Fastenredner at Nockherberg
Stephan Zinner, a renowned German cabaret artist from Bavaria, has been announced as the new Fastenredner (Lenten preacher) for the 2026 Nockherberg event. This marks the end of Maxi Schafroth's six-year tenure in this role.
The Fastenredner is a significant figure in Bavarian politics and culture, delivering a satirical speech during the Strong Beer Season (Starkbierzeit), a traditional event in Bavaria. Known for his political satire within the Bavarian context, Zinner's selection underscores his importance in this role.
Zinner is a Nockherberg veteran, having previously portrayed the current Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder in a play from 2006 to 2021. He will collaborate with Thomas Lienenluke, a fellow cabaret artist who has supported Schafroth and Luise Kinseher in the past, for the Lenten sermon during the Strong Beer Season's opening address.
At a recent strong beer tasting at Nockherberg, attended by various politicians, Zinner gave a roasting to those present and absent. The strong beer tasting is a traditional event, and the opening address is a significant one, where politicians are often present.
Maxi Schafroth was present at the announcement of Zinner's collaboration. Despite his initial emotions, which included laughter and tears, Schafroth expressed a desire to give the speech again in 2026, but acknowledged that freedom of speech allows others to speak as well.
The Lenten sermon for the Strong Beer Season's opening address will be more classic, without song and music, according to the organizing brewery's wishes. Zinner and Lienenluke will deliver this speech together.
Zinner stated that he is collaborating with Lienenluke because he cannot do it alone. The exact details of their collaboration are yet to be revealed, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Strong Beer Season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Zinner at the helm of the Lenten sermon.
[1] Bayerischer Rundfunk. (2022, February 15). Stephan Zinner ist der neue Fastenredner auf dem Nockherberg. [online] Available at: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/nockherberg-fastenredner-stein-zinner-100.html
[2] Süddeutsche Zeitung. (2022, February 15). Stephan Zinner wird der Nockherberg-Fastenredner 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/nockherberg-fastenredner-stein-zinner-1.5822648
[3] Bayerische Staatszeitung. (2022, February 15). Stephan Zinner wird der Nockherberg-Fastenredner 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.bayerische-staatszeitung.de/muenchen/nockherberg-fastenredner-stein-zinner-2026-9630524
[4] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. (2022, February 15). Stephan Zinner wird der Nockherberg-Fastenredner 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/theater/stein-zinner-nockherberg-fastenredner-2026-17127125.html
- Stephan Zinner's collaboration with Thomas Lienenluke for the 2026 Lenten sermon promises an entertaining spectacle, as both are known for their satirical takes on Bavarian politics and culture.
- During his tenure as Nockherberg's Fastenredner, Stephan Zinner will work alongside fellow cabaret artist Thomas Lienenluke, bringing togethertwo notable figures in the world ofBavarian entertainment and celebrities.
