Munich celebrates the new prince couple Stephan and Samantha for carnival!

Munich celebrates the new prince couple Stephan and Samantha for carnival!

On November 11, 2025, Munich will ring in the fifth season again, as the city has ceremonially chosen its new prince couple. Stephan Kürten and Samantha Bigl will represent Narrhalla Munich in the 2025/26 carnival season. In a district that is known for its carnival traditions, things are now going big for the two, because the carnival promises to be a colorful spectacle full of joy and conviviality.

Stephan Kürten, 34 years old and working as a development engineer, is not only skilled in his job, but also in carnival matters. His grandfather was once a carnival prince in the Rhineland - a legacy that has a strong connection to Kürten. He has been active at Narrhalla since 2018 and has worked his way up from flag regiment to dancer over the years. In his free time, the athlete enjoys a variety of activities: dancing, going to the gym, surfing or playing computer and strategy games.

Samantha Bigl, the 28-year-old product manager, can look back on a long history of dancing. Her path to Narrhalla began in 2018 in the court and quickly led to the Prinzengarde, where she shines as a dancer. She has been cultivating her passion for standard and Latin dancing for over 14 years. Fashion, joie de vivre and dance – that's what the new royal couple stands for in these special weeks before Ash Wednesday, which this year is on February 18th.

Carnival in Munich – A colorful tradition

But what does carnival actually mean? The period leading up to the 40 days of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday, is celebrated in many regions of Germany, and Munich is no exception. Carnival is not only a festival of celebration, but also deeply rooted in traditions and customs that date back to ancient times. Exuberant parades, cheerful songs and colorful costumes characterize the celebrations - a time in which fools hold the scepter.

A highlight of the Munich carnival season will be the joint start of the large carnival groups in the Bürgerpark Oberföhring on November 16th at 1 p.m. Spirits will certainly be high here as the fools and visitors meet, feel the anticipation and toast together to the upcoming festivities.

The youth prince couple of Narrhalla

At the same time as the announcement of Stephan and Samantha, the youth prince couple of the Narrhalla were also presented. Jonathan Hinz and Sara Laubenstein can now also look forward to exciting months. 16-year-old Jonathan is in the 10th grade at the Feodor-Lynen-Gymnasium in Planegg and has already developed many interests in his free time, including football, guitar and dancing. It was only a year ago that he discovered ballroom and Latin dancing.

His princess, 15-year-old Sara Laubenstein, can be found at her school in the Fürstenried high school. She also has a passion for dancing and has been training and doing gymnastics for many years. She is also active as an assistant coach and plays the clarinet - a true all-rounder who is ready to celebrate the carnival summer with full dedication.

Carnival is more than just a time for celebration. It is a deeply rooted tradition that is lived in its current form in many regions of Germany and beyond. Just think of the strongholds such as the Rhineland or the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, which attract visitors with their own customs and traditions. The anticipation is palpable - it's guaranteed to be a great season! The people of Munich can only hope that they can properly celebrate the traditions and customs this year too.

Further information about the origins of Carnival, including its development over the centuries, can be found in the comprehensive Wikipedia.