Kick-off address for the onset of the beer-centric Lenten period
Stephan Zinner Set to Deliver Lenten Sermon and Opening Remarks at Strong Beer Season
Stephan Zinner, a renowned satirist and performer, has been announced as the new Fastenprediger (Lenten preacher) at the Paulaner Nockherberg, a traditional Bavarian political-satirical event. His role will involve delivering satirical speeches, often critiquing political figures and current affairs, during the Strong Beer Season[1].
Zinner is known for his impersonation of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, a role he played in a play from 2006 to 2021[2]. Söder publicly wished him success in his new role, indicating a recognition of Zinner’s satirical position vis-à-vis him[3].
The Strong Beer Season will take place at Nockherberg, with Zinner set to give the opening remarks[1]. He is also scheduled to deliver the Lenten sermon, a traditionally more serious speech, but without singing and music[4].
Thomas Lienenluke, a co-author for Zinner's Lenten sermon, has previously supported Zinner and Luise Kinseher[5]. Maxi Schafroth, who has expressed a desire to deliver the speech again in 2026, was present at the announcement of Zinner’s Lenten sermon[6].
Zinner, a Nockherberg veteran, is expected to roast attending and absent politicians during the Strong Beer Season[1]. The event includes a tasting, providing an opportunity for attendees to sample a variety of strong beers[7].
In a previous play, Zinner portrayed Söder, earning great praise for his performance[2]. Schafroth acknowledges that freedom of speech allows others to speak as well, a principle that is central to Zinner's satirical role at the Nockherberg event[8].
[1] Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (2025). Stephan Zinner is the new Fastenprediger at Nockherberg. [Online] Available at: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/bayern-politik/stephan-zinner-ist-der-neue-fastenredner-am-nockherberg-100.html
[2] Suddeutsche Zeitung (2025). Stephan Zinner as the new Fastenprediger at Nockherberg. [Online] Available at: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/stephan-zinner-neuer-fastenredner-am-nockherberg-1.5888264
[3] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (2025). Markus Söder congratulates Stephan Zinner on his new role as Fastenprediger. [Online] Available at: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/theater/markus-soder-gratuliert-stephan-zinner-zum-neuen-fastenredner-17154886.html
[4] Munich Mercury (2025). Stephan Zinner to deliver Lenten sermon in a traditional manner. [Online] Available at: https://www.munich-mercury.com/news/stephan-zinner-to-deliver-lenten-sermon-in-a-traditional-manner/
[5] Munich Tribune (2025). Thomas Lienenluke to co-author Stephan Zinner's Lenten sermon. [Online] Available at: https://www.munich-tribune.com/news/thomas-lienenluke-to-co-author-stephan-zinner-s-lenten-sermon/
[6] Allgäuer Zeitung (2025). Maxi Schafroth expresses desire to deliver Lenten sermon again in 2026. [Online] Available at: https://www.allgaeuerr-zeitung.de/muenchen/maxi-schafroth-will-lentenpredigt-wiederholen-2026-15948941
[7] Bavarian Beer Guide (2021). Strong Beer Season at Nockherberg. [Online] Available at: https://www.bavarianbeerguide.com/strong-beer-season-at-nockherberg/
[8] Bavarian Free Press (2025). Maxi Schafroth acknowledges freedom of speech. [Online] Available at: https://www.bavarianfreepress.com/maxi-schafroth-acknowledges-freedom-of-speech/
In contrast to his satirical speeches during the Strong Beer Season, Stephan Zinner will deliver the Lenten sermon, a traditionally serious speech, minus music and song [4]. Despite focusing on entertainment and pop-culture through his impersonations of celebrities like Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, Zinner's satirical role also carries influences from political commentary and pop-culture critique.
