Tradition Lives On: Sorbs and Wends Celebrate Carnival - Centuries-Old Shrovetide Parade Revives Sorbian Carnival Traditions in Burg
The traditional Shrovetide Parade, known as Fastnachtsumzug, took place in Burg, Spreewald, reviving a centuries-old pre-Lenten festival. Led by the Bär (Bear), a key figure in Sorbian/Wendish carnival customs, the event brought together music, dancing, and cultural heritage in a lively celebration.
The parade marked the annual Zapust festival, where young unmarried boys and girls processed through the villages in traditional clothing. Their participation symbolised the driving out of winter, a long-standing ritual among the Sorbs and Wends—Slavic minorities living in Lusatia.
Music filled the streets as the community celebrated with dancing and vibrant displays. The Bär, a central figure in the festivities, guided the procession, though no specific individual was publicly named as the leader. The event highlighted the enduring traditions of the region, blending folklore with communal joy.
The festival in Burg showcased the rich cultural practices of the Sorbs and Wends, keeping alive a tradition that stretches back generations. With young participants leading the symbolic expulsion of winter, the parade reinforced the community’s connection to its heritage and seasonal celebrations.
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