Speech inaugurating the beer season during Lenten period
Stephan Zinner, a renowned German cabaret artist and actor, will take the stage as the Fastenprediger (Lenten preacher) at the Nockherberg event in 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Zinner, who has been associated with Nockherberg for over a decade, most notably for his 15-year portrayal of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder in the event's satirical Singspiel[1][2][3].
Zinner's co-author for the Lenten sermon is Thomas Lienenluke, although specific details about Lienenluke's background and his collaboration with Zinner are not readily available[1]. The Lenten sermons at Nockherberg are often co-written by comedians or writers specializing in satire or cabaret.
Maxi Schafroth, who expressed both laughter and tears at the announcement, would have liked to give the speech again in 2026. However, she is accepting that others will speak as well[2]. Schafroth has supported Zinner and Luise Kinseher in the past.
Zinner will deliver a more classic-style Lenten sermon, without the usual song and music[3]. At the strong beer tasting at Nockherberg, Zinner is giving the present and absent politicians a good roasting, a tradition associated with the Strong Beer Season[1]. The Strong Beer Season involves politicians being roasted by a speaker.
The Strong Beer Season is a significant event at Nockherberg, where the opening address is given by Zinner this year. The Strong Beer Season is associated with Nockherberg, making Zinner a Nockherberg veteran[1].
[1] Bayerischer Rundfunk [2] Süddeutsche Zeitung [3] FAZ
Zinner will not only entertain the crowds with his Lenten sermon but also critique general-news, politics, and even celebrities, as he is known for his satirical take on Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and his humor during the Strong Beer Season. Thomas Lienenluke, co-author of Zinner's Lenten sermon, specializes in similar entertainment genres, having worked with satire and cabaret artists.
