May Carnival Begins Today

Kaiserslautern holds its traditional “Maikerwe,” or May carnival, today through May 25 on the Messeplatz fairgrounds.

More than 140 ride owners and vendors will be available for 11 days to offer their attractions, merchandise and food specialties.

The biggest folks fest of the Westpfalz officially opens with the tapping the first keg of beer at 6 p.m. today on the patio of the bistro tent. As soon as it gets dark, fireworks will be lit.

The carnival offers a variety of rides for adults and children. The biggest wild water ride provides some refreshing moments.

“Airwolf” is a three-dimensional flight spectacle and the power machine “Magic” makes all kinds of movements, supported by magic lights at night. Turning, swinging and flying is guaranteed on “Take Off” and “Break Dance.” The giant Ferris wheel offers visitors a fascinating view over Kaiserslautern. The “Ghost Snake” gives visitors the creeps on four levels.

Children can have fun with skills games and rides in miniscooters and merry-go-rounds.

Beer gardens, the chicken tent, bistros and tents are sure to lure hungry and thirsty visitors. Palatinate and international culinary specialties such as crispy chicken, ham hocks, crepes, pizza and fish will also be available at the food booths.

The “shopping street” will provide shopping fun until late at night. Vendors will sell a variety of merchandise, including clothes, household items, leather goods, jewelry, spices and arts and crafts items.

Wednesday is family day with reduced prices and special offers until 7 p.m.

The carnival closes out with a “Thank you” fireworks display around 10 p.m. May 25.

The rides are open 2 to 11 p.m. each day and until midnight Saturdays. Some food booths and vendors open at 11 a.m.

Due to the May carnival, which lures many visitors from all over, the stores in Kaiserslautern will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Parking on public parking lots and in the school yards of Burggymnasium, Paul-Münch-Schule and Barbarossaschule is free.