Schwenningen, Germany – A whimsical tradition spanning nine decades continues in the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany, as the town of Schwenningen prepares to showcase its iconic Schwanenwagen – or Swan Car – during upcoming Fasnet (Carnival) celebrations. The elaborately decorated float, a symbol of the town’s identity and craftsmanship, is set to appear not only in Schwenningen but also in the neighboring city of Villingen, marking a renewed gesture of cross-city camaraderie.
The origins of the Schwanenwagen date back to 1936, when the first iteration of the float graced the streets of Schwenningen. Described as a “mighty feathered creature,” weighing approximately 20 hundredweight, the original swan was large enough to comfortably accommodate members of the local council. Its most striking feature was a large clock gear on its front, a nod to Schwenningen’s history as a center for clockmaking. Pulled by a team of four horses with jingling harnesses, the swan was led by the Hölzlekönig (Wood King), a figurehead of the Fasnet festivities.
The original Schwanenwagen ceased its appearances in 1939, but the tradition was revived in the early 1950s. Since then, successive generations of the float have been created, each representing a fresh interpretation of the beloved symbol. Each swan serves as an ambassador for Schwenningen’s Fasnet and a testament to the town’s enduring traditions.
For over 25 years, the Schwanenwagen has been meticulously maintained by the Bauhof team – the town’s municipal works department – in their workshop. This dedicated care ensures the float is in pristine condition for its annual appearance in the Fasnet parade.
The reach of the Schwanenwagen extends beyond Germany’s borders. In 1971, a similar float participated in the General von Steuben Parade in Chicago, Illinois. This transatlantic appearance was made possible by Erhard and Erika Staudenmaier, a Schwenningen-born couple who were serving as the Prince and Princess of the Karnevalsgesellschaft Rheinischer Verein Grün-Weiß Milwaukee at the time. Their participation marked a unique moment in the history of Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet, bringing a piece of German carnival culture to the United States.
This year, in addition to its traditional role in the Schwenningen parade, the Schwanenwagen will also be featured in the parade organized by the Zuggesellschaft in Villingen. The Narrenzunft (Carnival Association) of Schwenningen actively sought to include the float in the Villingen parade to commemorate its 90th anniversary and to strengthen ties with the neighboring city. The decision to include the float in Villingen reverses a long-standing absence, as the swan had not travelled along the Brigach river in Villingen for many years.
The gesture is seen as a gift to the people of Villingen and a demonstration of the strong, ongoing friendship between the two cities. It underscores the importance of maintaining cultural connections and shared traditions within the region.
The Schwanenwagen’s story is more than just a tale of a parade float; it’s a reflection of local pride, artistic skill and the enduring power of community traditions. As the float prepares to take to the streets once more, it carries with it a legacy of celebration and a promise of continued festivities for generations to come.
