TV Tips on Friday - Mainz's Legendary Carnival Show Returns for a Centennial Celebration in 2026
A beloved Carnival cruise tradition will return in 2026 with a special anniversary twist. The Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht television event will mark the 100th year of the Mainz Court Singers. ZDF will broadcast the celebration live from the Electoral Palace, bringing together humour, music, and local customs.
The event has been a Carnival highlight for over 70 years. Each year, it fills the Great Hall of the Electoral Palace on the Friday before Shrove Monday. Viewers can expect the usual mix of Meenzer Kokolores—Mainz's playful carnival nonsense—alongside sharp political satire and literary wit.
Andreas Schmitt will host the evening, introducing well-known speakers and performers. The Mainz Court Singers, a staple of the show, will take centre stage for their centennial. Their set will include birthday songs, classic Helau calls, and long-standing favourites like Ernst Neger's Humba Täterä, a tradition since 1964.
The programme will also showcase Büttenreden—humorous stage speeches—alongside lively dance groups and musical acts. These elements have kept the event fresh while honouring its roots in local Carnival culture.
The 2026 broadcast will continue the show's legacy of blending satire, song, and regional pride. With the Court Singers' milestone and a live audience in the Electoral Palace, the event remains a key part of Mainz's Carnival season. ZDF's coverage ensures the traditions reach viewers across the country.
