Golden Narrenschelle 2026 Awarded to Manuel Hagel: Ceremony at Europa-Park Resort

“Narri – Narro!” recently echoed through the 4-star Hotel “Colosseo” at Europa-Park Resort. Around 200 members of the Association of Swabian-Alemannic Carnival Guilds (VSAN) gathered to celebrate the presentation of the 2026 Golden Narrenschelle to Manuel Hagel. The CDU state chairman of Baden-Württemberg was personally welcomed by VSAN President Roland Haag and Europa-Park owner Roland Mack. As a surprise guest, Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther delivered the laudatory speech.

Günther praised his party colleague in Swabian rhyme: “Manuel Hagel, he’d be the right man for Baden-Württemberg, in this land, with this tone that can carry so much.” The carnival members themselves honored Hagel as “one of our own” – he has been an active member of the Spritzenmuck carnival guild in Ehingen (Danube) since childhood.

Politics still played a role: VSAN presidium member Paul Martin urged Hagel to “step on the gas with bureaucracy reduction,” as ever-increasing regulations are making life difficult for volunteers in the guilds. Hagel seized the moment and declared as the new bell bearer: “Paperwork and clutter – those days are over!”

Hagel was not the only one recognized that evening. Roland and Jürgen Mack also received an honor: their home carnival guild from Waldkirch named the Europa-Park owners honorary carnival members – a gesture of deep connection and friendship on the occasion of the park’s 50th anniversary.

The Golden Narrenschelle is a gilded handbell awarded annually by the VSAN in the playfully ambiguous carnival sense of a “bell.” The award carries no monetary prize. The varied supporting program was provided by Europa-Park, the TALENT ACADEMY Europa-Park, and the attending carnival guilds.