Stockach Fools' CourtStockacher Narrengericht

The Stockacher Narrengericht is a centuries-old Swabian-Alemannic carnival custom in Stockach, where local jesters symbolically put a prominent politician on trial for folly 1 2. Held annually on Schmotziger Dunschtig (the Thursday before Ash Wednesday), it culminates in a humorous courtroom proceeding. The tradition goes back to a 1351 Habsburg privilege granted after the 1315 Morgarten battle 3 4. Today the event draws locals (and curious visitors via broadcast) to the Hans-Kuony-Halle, where the accused must pay penance (often in wine) for their “crimes” in a carnival satire 2 4.

Rooted in an alleged medieval promise by Duke Leopold I, this tradition insists that Stockach govern itself between Candlemas and Laetare Sunday 1. Over time it evolved into a festive judgment of folly, reflecting local values of free speech and self-reflection under the cover of Fasnet revelry. Political figures have been playfully accused since the 1960s 1 2.