Walter Kassin: 55 years of carnival - a life for joy!

Walter Kassin: 55 years of carnival - a life for joy!

On November 18, 2025, the last “Werderaner Talk” of the year took place in the Schützenhaus in Werder (Havel), which was organized by the local history association. The event attracted numerous guests and members who listened eagerly to the interview with Walter Kassin, a carnival veteran. Kassin, who can look back on 55 years of carnival experience this year, was interviewed by Michael “Penner” Großwendt. \"There's something going on!\" that's how you could summarize the audience's enthusiasm for the stories of this carnival pioneer.

Walter Kassin, who was 18 years old when he discovered his passion for carnival, quickly proved to be a versatile actor. Inspired by the colorful costumes and lively hand-made speeches, he appeared in various roles, including the gardener and the mischievous Till Eulenspiegel. His commitment contributed to him being named Prince of KCW in the 11th season and was also active as a singer and member of the Elferrat. Over the course of his career, he took on leadership roles after making contacts with a carnival club in Siegburg and holding a cultural position in the town hall after reunification.

Honor and recognition

His achievements were recognized by Prime Minister Matthias Platzeck, who described Kassin as an “ambassador of optimism”. In 2009 he received the title “Volunteer of the Month” for his dedicated work at the carnival, which brings joy to many people. This also included his activities at water and mill festivals in Brandenburg. For his efforts, Platzeck presented him with a certificate of thanks and an engraved fountain pen with the inscription “Committed to Brandenburg”.brandenburg.de reports.

On the evening of the “Werderaner Talk” the audience was enthusiastic and cheerful. The words of thanks from the incumbent KCW president, which ended with a triple “Werder Helau”, made clear the great respect that Kassin enjoys from the carnival community. His path from the early beginnings to the presidency of the Berlin-Brandenburg Carnival Association and beyond is remarkable, and Kassin later had encounters with high-ranking personalities such as Chancellor Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz.

Tradition in change

But it's not just Walter Kassin who is the focus, the carnival in Brandenburg itself is also developing rapidly. It is now recognized as a conditional intangible cultural heritage. With the aim of bringing the Eastern Carnival onto the list of cultural heritage, the carnival is not only a joyful celebration, but also an important cultural asset that needs to be protected. As stern.de states, traditions of a local community play a central role, not only for culture, but also for the cohesion of people.

In the midst of these traditions, the local history association remembers the roots and development of carnival, which were shaped by the commitment and dedication of people like Walter Kassin. It remains exciting to see how the carnival in Brandenburg will continue to develop and what significance it will have in society in the future.