"Papa Carnival" honored with a commemorative plaque

Engelbert Oxenfort: A Pillar of Düsseldorf's Carnival and Cultural Life

Engelbert Oxenfort, affectionately known as "Papa Carnival," is a native of Düsseldorf and a renowned figure in the city's social and cultural development. At the age of 71, he became the president of the Committee Düsseldorf Carnival e.V., a position he now holds as honorary president.

Oxenfort's leadership has been instrumental in the success of the Düsseldorf carnival. Under his guidance, the city's carnival attracted many new sponsors, giving the youth carnival a professional direction. He is recognised as a pioneer of youth work in the Düsseldorf carnival.

One of Oxenfort's most notable achievements is the initiation of several projects for the youth carnival. These include the large youth parade on carnival Saturday, the children's Hoppeditz awakening, and the annual CC excursion for all young carnival enthusiasts. His initiatives have significantly contributed to the vibrancy and popularity of the Düsseldorf carnival.

Oxenfort's love for local traditions and the preservation of the local dialect is evident in his various endeavours. He is the founder of the Hans Müller-Schloss Academy "School for Düsseldorf Dialect" and the former head, now honorary leader, of the local dialect enthusiasts. Over 40 years ago, he initiated the idea of holding a church service in the local dialect, a tradition he still organises and participates in.

In 1991, Oxenfort initiated the Düsseldorf Old Town Autumn (now Düsseldorf Festival!), which has become a widely recognised cultural festival. His contributions extend beyond the carnival, as he has been a member of the Society Reserve e.V. 1858 since 1975, actively participating in their parades.

Oxenfort's dedication to the city has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon in 1988 for his extraordinary and voluntary services, and the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class in the year 2000. The Bund Deutscher Karneval (BDK) honoured him for his outstanding lifetime achievement. The youth organization of the BDK even named him "Person of the Year 2017."

Engelbert Oxenfort's influence continues to inspire Düsseldorf residents who are attached to their hometown. His legacy in the city's carnival and cultural life is undeniable, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as a pillar of the Düsseldorf carnival.