When does Sooty Friday take place?

On Friday, February 13, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in front of the Old Town Hall in Lindau.

Does admission cost anything?

No, according to the official event page, Sooty Friday is free.

What is the Buzentanz?

A historically documented carnival ritual from Lindau with drums, Bengal fire, gallows scene, and a symbolic rooster as a symbol of fertility, now represented as a prop.

Who organizes Sooty Friday?

The Narrenzunft Lindau Bodensee e. V. is responsible for the tradition program on Sooty Friday.

Where exactly is the event location?

In front of the Old Town Hall, Bismarckplatz 4, 88131 Lindau, in the old town on the island.

Are there parking options nearby?

Parking garage P4 Inselhalle or Karl-Bever-Platz P3 on the mainland is recommended; from there, the old town is within walking distance.

Fire, Drums, Tradition: Sooty Friday sets Lindau's old town ablaze, marveling, celebrating together 2026

Name: Sooty Friday
Start: 2026-02-13T18:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-02-13T20:00:00+01:00
Location: Altes Rathaus

Sooty Friday in Lindau: When winter demons and sparks fill the old town

Once a year, the Sooty Friday transforms the old town of Lindau into a stage for lived carnival culture: Köfflerjuck of the Kornköffler, Buzentanz of the Pflasterbuzen, drum beats, red Bengal fire – a sensual multi-day experience in the heart of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival, condensed into two intense hours of tradition magic.

Tradition with goosebumps: The Buzentanz in front of the Old Town Hall

As twilight falls, the guild sets up the gallows in front of the Old Town Hall. Two bonfires glow, Bengal fire colors the square in a ghostly red. Under heavy drum rhythms, the Pflasterbuzen appear – the demons of winter. A rooster hangs symbolically from the gallows, a symbol of fertility and the approaching spring. The executioner’s axe swings threateningly – until the Buzenteufel enters the scene, sparks whirl, and the festival atmosphere reaches its boiling point.

Living heritage: From the Rooster Dance to Lindau's identity

Historical sources document the Rooster Dance as early as the 17th century. In 1970, the Buzentanz was newly staged for today’s carnival – since then, it has taken place every year on Sooty Friday. Out of respect for the animal, a stuffed rooster has been used as a prop for years. The finale: a symbolic auction 'in American style' for good causes – tradition meets lived community.

Sound, power, choreography: This is how winter sounds

On the main stage of the Town Hall Square, dull drums, steel bells, and hard steps meet the cold night air. The side stage of the old town alleys provides the echo: Köfflerjuck of the Kornköffler, their rustic Häs, the cheeky mask play, the heartbeat of a city that carries its festival grounds in stone and history.

Voices of the fans

The reactions in the festival community are clear: Sooty Friday excites its fans.

Facebook: 'More than a show - our Lindau lives carnival!'
X: 'Bengal fire, drums, goosebumps - Lindau, we will come back!'

Conclusion: Two hours that resonate for a year

Those who want to not just see tradition but feel it experience a dense, authentic ritual in Lindau. Free of charge, right in the old town, with clear dramaturgy and a strong sense of community. Come, marvel, become part of the festival family – winter gives way at the gallows of light.