Riedlingen’s Golezunft: A Carnival Tradition of Song and Spectacle

Carnival traditions are often steeped in history, evolving over time although retaining core elements that connect communities to their past. In Riedlingen, Germany, the Narrenzunft Gole 1865 e. V. Embodies this spirit, with a tradition stretching back to 1865 and over 1,300 members. The annual celebration centers around the “Gole,” figures representing a unique blend of folklore and local identity.

The “Raus mit em Gole” Tradition

Each year, on the Wednesday evening before Fat Thursday (Glompigen Donnerstag), the Fasnet in Riedlingen is officially opened. Children gather in front of the Gole-Heim, calling out “Raus mit em Gole!” (Let the Gole out!). In return for their enthusiastic cries, the children receive treats from the Boppele, traditional carnival figures. Gole.de

The Figures of the Golezunft

The Golezunft features several distinct masked figures. The Gole themselves are the central characters of the Riedlingen Fasnet, consisting of three adult masks and two children’s masks. The adult masks are notably large, exceeding 70 cm in height, with performers viewing the festivities through the mask’s mouth. All figures wear Waffenröcke (weapon coats) displaying the Riedlingen coat of arms, along with spears and shields. Originally crafted from papier-mâché, the masks are now made of plastic. Wikipedia

Other key figures include:

• Gelbsucht (Jaundice): The oldest of the Riedlingen masks, first appearing in 1818. It features an Asian-inspired face with yellow skin, strong cheekbones and a black beard, topped with a yellow and green ornamented helmet.
• Alter Gole (Vintage Gole): First appearing in 1870, this figure is characterized by a dark face and a golden helmet.

The Frog Tripe Song and the “Gebhardos”

Music plays a vital role in the Golezunft’s traditions, particularly the frog tripe song, “Once upon a time there were two neighbors.” First printed in 1870, the song has been a staple of the Fasnet for over a century, known for its rousing refrain, “Raddashim raddabum.”

For many years, Gebhard Kegel, a veteran of the Riedlinger Fasnet, performed the song with Gebhard Geiselhart as the duo known as the “Gebhardos,” beginning in 1967. They performed together until 2010, marking Kegel’s 90th birthday, Geiselhart’s 80th, and a fellow musician’s 70th. Geiselhart continued to participate annually, earning the Great Frog Tripe Order for 50 years of participation in 2009, and singing in the choir until his death in November 2025 at the age of 95.

The Mohrenwäsche Tradition

The Mohrenwäsche (Moor Washing) is another tradition revived in Riedlingen. Originally celebrated in the 1950s, it was briefly discontinued before being reintroduced in 2005 to commemorate the city’s 750th anniversary. The tradition involves selecting a respected figure who is not native to Riedlingen as a surprise guest during the festivities. Gole.de

Looking Ahead

The Narrenzunft Gole 1865 e. V. Continues to uphold its traditions, blending historical practices with contemporary celebrations. As a member of the Vereinigung Schwäbisch-Alemannischer Narrenzünfte (VSAN), the Golezunft remains a vibrant part of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet, ensuring the continuation of these unique cultural expressions for generations to come. Wikipedia