In Neuhausen auf den Fildern (Baden-Württemberg), the "Hexentanz" is a highlight of the local Fasnet (carnival) celebrations. Held on Schmotziger Donnerstag (Fat Thursday) at 19:11, costumed "Hexen" (witches) dance around a bonfire on the Schlossplatz 1. Thousands attend (10,000 at the 50th anniversary in 2025) as the witches then symbolically "storm" the Rathaus (town hall) 2. This fiery ritual exemplifies the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht tradition in Neuhausen.
Part of the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht (Fasnet) customs in this region of Baden-Württemberg 1. Neuhausen’s carnival events are organized by the local Narrenbund (founded 1965) and involve historic guilds and masked traditions. The Hexentanz demonstrates the incorporation of old folk motifs (witches, fire, court rituals) into the annual Fasnet festival.
Venues and routes
Schlossplatz · Neuhausen on the Fildern
The dates that shape the visit.
Date being verified
Visitors gather around the Schlossplatz to watch the fiery spectacle. The witches dance to drumming and music; after the fire dances, the band traditionally surrounds the Rathaus. It occurs outdoors in winter, so spectators should dress warmly and follow safety directions around the bonfire.
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
High crowds
Help refresh this festival
Current coverage is usable, but a fresher on-ground clip is needed.