The 70th anniversary of the Fastnacht session ‘Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht’ is marked by a colorful and lively celebration, combining humor, political commentary, and traditional festivities. The event will be broadcast on ARD today at 8:15 PM.
Political Satire Takes Center Stage
Just days after the federal election, the nearly four-hour program at the Kurfürstliches Schloss in Mainz features sharp-witted jokes targeting the recently ousted traffic light coalition. Florian Sitte, portraying ‘Till’, cleverly pokes fun at the current Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the future Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) as they become the subjects of light-hearted ridicule.
Johannes Bersch, in his ‘Moguntia’ persona, also takes aim at the Green Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. Additionally, Thomas Becker as a ‘motivation consultant’ doesn’t shy away from addressing Alice Weidel and the AfD, while the kindergarten group led by Kati Greule humorously excludes Christian Lindner and Sahra Wagenknecht following their parties‘ failure to secure seats in the Bundestag.
Strong Messages for Democracy and Unity
Cabaret artist, composer, and singer Lars Reichow, serving as the anchor for the ‘Fastnachtsthemen’, delivers a clear message against racism and societal division, emphasizing the importance of preserving democracy and fostering optimism amid laughter and satire.
The evening reinforces Mainz and Fastnacht’s commitment to openness, diversity, and vibrant life, as demonstrated by Martin Heininger and Christian Schier’s humorous act as ‘parrots with migration backgrounds’, conveying that it doesn’t matter where one comes from, even if it’s from the less favored neighboring city of Wiesbaden.
Tradition and Humor Unite
Alexander Leber as the ‘Mainzer Polizist’, Jürgen Wiesmann as ‘Ernst Lustig’, and session president Adi Guckelsberger present a mix of sharp observations and witty wordplay, reflecting the spirit of Mainz’s carnival. The crowd is particularly delighted by the appearance of Fastnacht icon and honorary citizen Margit Sponheimer, who performs her classic song ‘Am Rosenmontag bin ich geboren.’ The city’s Fastnacht tradition is celebrated through various performances, including Laura Müller’s song ‘Empire state of Mainz.’
‘Mainz bleibt Mainz, wie es singt und lacht’ will be broadcast alternately by SWR and ZDF, with the Südwestrundfunk responsible for the anniversary show airing on Friday, February 28, ahead of Rosenmontag.