Korbach-Helmscheid, Germany – The small town of Helmscheid came alive with energy and laughter this past Friday as residents and visitors celebrated Karneval, culminating in a highly successful show program at the Dorfgemeinschaftshaus. The evening wasn’t just a display of local tradition; it marked the debut of a new Karneval anthem, “Helmscheid lebt, Helmscheid bebt” – “Helmscheid lives, Helmscheid vibrates” – that organizers hope will become a lasting symbol of the community’s spirit.
The show, which began promptly at 8:11 PM, was opened by the comedic duo Marlies and Helga, portrayed by Irina Saure and Madleen Behle. Their performance was a playful journey through music history, referencing classic German hits like “Die rote Sonne von Barbados” and “Ich liebe das Leben” alongside contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran and Ricky Martin. The act concluded with a lighthearted dance set to the tune of the Babybel cheese advertisement jingle, a universally recognized and cheerfully nostalgic touch.
Following their opening act, Marlies and Helga introduced Moritz Schäfer from Berndorf as the new Karneval moderator. Schäfer quickly connected with the audience, observing with humor that the word “no” is practically unheard of in Helmscheid, and actively discouraged. He playfully suggested that a willingness to embrace positivity is a fast track to success within the community, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the enthusiastic crowd.
The “Donnerstagsrunde,” featuring Jannik Düsterwald and Florian Saure, provided a comedic contrast between the lives of a shepherd and a civil servant. Their discussion playfully highlighted the differences in their daily tasks, offering a lighthearted look at contrasting professions within the region. The performance underscored the Karneval tradition of using humor to reflect on everyday life.
Comedian Torsten Sträter, portrayed by Stefan Jedwabny, made a return appearance to Helmscheid, bringing with him a humorous tale of automotive misfortune. Sträter recounted how a breakdown in his Mustang led to a temporary replacement vehicle – an electric Tesla – and shared his amusing experiences adapting to the new technology. His set provided a contemporary counterpoint to the more traditional Karneval elements.
A recurring comedic bit involved Andreas Jochem and Ernst-Wilhelm Saure, who revisited a “Bierdeckelvertrag” (beer coaster contract) they had made for a previous performance. They recounted the details of their agreement and the outcomes, adding another layer of running gags to the evening’s entertainment.
Adding a pop culture twist, Familie Nebe delivered a vibrant dance performance as the Spice Girls, bringing their iconic hit “Wanna be” to the Karneval stage. The performance demonstrated the event’s ability to blend local tradition with globally recognized entertainment.
The highlight of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the premiere of “Helmscheid lebt, Helmscheid bebt.” Penned by Stefan Jedwabny, the anthem was met with resounding applause and enthusiastic participation from the audience, culminating in a lively Polonaise dance. The song’s immediate popularity suggests it will quickly become a beloved fixture of future Karneval celebrations in Helmscheid.
The evening concluded with a performance of “Elf Kölsche Jecke” by Pascal Dämmer, further fueling the celebratory atmosphere. The enthusiastic response from the crowd led to multiple encores, with the festivities continuing well into the early morning hours. The event, organized in part by the Sportverein Grün-Weiß Helmscheid e. V., showcased the strong sense of community spirit that defines Helmscheid’s Karneval traditions.
The success of this year’s Karneval program underscores the enduring appeal of these local celebrations. As the Karneval season continues across Germany, the energy and enthusiasm displayed in Helmscheid serve as a reminder of the importance of community and shared traditions. The resounding success of “Helmscheid lebt, Helmscheid bebt” suggests it will become a beloved anthem for years to come, further solidifying the town’s Karneval traditions.
(Uwe Walter contributed reporting to this article.)
