Historical Ghost Train

The Blankenheim Ghost Parade is a traditional carnival event that has been held annually for over 400 years on Carnival Saturday in the historic town center of Blankenheim. Participants dress in white bed sheets, form two characteristic "ears" with cords, and carry torches made of pitch. In this ghostly guise, they march through the darkened streets of the town to symbolically drive away the winter demons. The parade is led by the "Jecke Böhnche," followed by the chief ghost, who is the only one wearing wings and rides on horseback. The procession is accompanied by the traditional carnival march "Juh-Jah Kribbel en d'r Botz." After the parade, the ghosts gather for the traditional ghost party in the Weiherhalle.