Dieter Wenger: Mainz loses a carnival icon at the age of 85

Dieter Wenger: Mainz loses a carnival icon at the age of 85

Dieter Wenger, the long-time chief car manufacturer of the Mainz Carneval Association (MCV), died at the age of 85. Death was confirmed on Saturday by the MCV spokesman, Michael Bonewitz. Wenger had designed and built the motif cars for the legendary Rosenmontagszug in Mainz for over 60 years. Together with his wife Hannelore, who died in October 2024 at the age of 88, Wenger headed a team in a hall in the Mombach district.

The last time the Wengers were responsible for the Rosenmontagszug 2024. Due to health problems, they could no longer be active in the carnival season. Dieter Wenger's successor was already regulated in October 2024 when Stefan Hisge was presented as the new MCV chief car manufacturer. Hisge, a 51-year-old craftsman and technician from Mainz, takes responsibility for Wenger's team.

New chief car manufacturer and the future of the motif cars

Stefan Hisge emphasizes that responsibility for the motif cars will be a team performance. "The task cannot be mastered alone," he said. The ideas for the motif cars are still developed by the MCV creative group in order to maintain the high quality of the attractions. MCV President Hannsgeorg Schönig emphasizes the important role of the characters for the success of the Rosenmontagszug.

Heisge, who has recently been a supporting member of the MCV, sees the motif cars as an essential part of the Mainz cultural heritage. His company will take on the order for the construction of the motif cars. According to Schönig, the number of cars for the Rosenmontagszug 2025 is still unclear; In 2024 there were nine cars, one less than in the previous year.

Dieter Wenger's legacy and the Fastnacht in Mainz

The Mainz Fastnacht has over 170 years of history that is closely connected to the city's identity. Since the MCV was founded and the first Rosenmontagszug in 1838, Fastnacht has been an important part of Mainz's cultural life. The solemn traditions not only include the Rose Monday parade with its magnificent motif cars, but also handmade speeches, songs and numerous events that attract young and old.

More than 500,000 people take part in the celebrations every year, which are celebrated as the "fifth season". The cityscape of Mainz is characterized by numerous sculptures and buildings that are reminiscent of the Fastnacht, including the well -known Fastnachtsbrunnen on Schillerplatz. Dieter Wenger's legacy will continue to live in the future celebrations and represent the Mainz Fastnacht in all its splendor.