They wanted to represent their hometown south of Leipzig - suddenly they are representing the whole of Saxony: Désirée and Simon Kremers are the first state prince and princess of the Free State. It wasn't planned.
From hometown prince and princess to state office
"We wanted to be the 62nd prince and princess from Pegau and simply enjoy the carnival season," says Désirée Kremers. But then, in Oelsnitz in the Vogtland district, after auditions and performances, they are on stage with two other couples to decide. Third place is called. Second place. And all of a sudden it becomes clear: it's them.
"It was the start of a very special journey," recalls the 41-year-old, recalling the moment when they were presented with sherpen, medals and the "Cup of Cheerfulness" as a sign of their office. Since then, Désirée I and Simon I from the Pegau Carnival Club have been wearing their dark green, gold-decorated costumes - representing the 186 clubs of the Saxon Carnival Association in the Free State of Saxony.
Passion for the fifth season
"We live carnival in a very special way. We're really into it," says Simon Kremers. In Pegau, the fifth season is lived with a special passion. It is precisely this enthusiasm that they now want to carry forward.
The two are even taking parental leave for their reign - four weeks for her, just over three for him. "The decision to take parental leave was not a difficult one," says Simon Kremers. In order to be able to carry out their duties with the necessary intensity, they deliberately wanted to give themselves time off. Neither work nor family should suffer as a result.
Meet at carnival
The fact that carnival is more than just a seasonal honorary position for the two of them is also shown by their own story. They got to know each other years ago during the carnival hustle and bustle in Leipzig. "Later in the evening, we stumbled over each other's feet," recalls Simon Kremers.
The 35-year-old grew up on the Lower Rhine near Düsseldorf - a region where carnival is deeply rooted. What fascinated him there as a child, he now experiences again in Saxony. "It's just a special exuberance, because everyone looks completely different because of the costumes," he says. This makes differences in everyday life fade away - people are "a bit more equal to each other".
The role itself also changes something. When Désirée Kremers puts on her dress, it's a special moment every time. "I definitely feel like a princess then. You stand up much straighter, you walk completely differently," she says. With make-up, hair done, a sash and medals, she "always feels really good".
Reception in Berlin, applause in Pegau
Highlights of her time in office so far include the visit to the Federal Chancellery at the beginning of February and the reception with Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU).
The biggest goosebump moments, however, were experienced in Pegau. After an event, the club spontaneously erupted into cheers when the prince and princess entered an adjoining room. "Quite honestly and quite spontaneously - and that was really great," says Simon Kremers.
After an intense carnival weekend with a youth carnival, a big parade through Pegau and sold-out evening events in the castle hall. In between, they packed pancakes and flowers for the street parade, coordinated helpers and exchanged medals. On Rose Monday, they want to visit children in kindergartens and schools once again.
When their term of office ends, they hope that people will attest to one thing above all else: Authenticity. "I think that would be the greatest praise," says Simon Kremers. They would like to see a carnival that brings people together and creates shared moments that everyone can enjoy. Especially in times when many things seem difficult, this is more important than ever.
Looking ahead: dates and cultural heritage
To the end of their term of office, there are still numerous dates at clubs throughout the state - from the Saxon championships in carnival dance sport to the association's presidential meeting.
Together with the East German state associations, the Saxon association is also supporting the application to have the carnival customs in East Germany recognized as intangible cultural heritage. For Désirée and Simon Kremers, this would be a strong signal that carnival is more than just costumes and confetti - it is a living community.
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