While its cultural activities are similar to other towns and cities in this region, its cultural expressions are specific to �berlingen and reflect elements of its heritage as a former Free Imperial City and as a Catholic city.
�berlingen lies as part of Baden-W�rttemberg in the south of former Baden at the northern shore of the Bodensee. A traveler to the city might hear several dialects in addition to Hochdeutsch, including the distinctive Bodensee dialect (Bodenseealemannisch), which is a special form of Niederalemannisch. Because the city attracts tourists from around Lake Constance and from all over Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, one will also hear Austrian variants of Hochdeutsch, Swiss dialects, Badenese dialects, and other Alemannic German dialects.
�berlingen is a stronghold of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival. The carnival club, Narrenzunft �berlingen, or the Knaves Guild of �berlingen, is a member of the "Vierbund" carnival union. The carnival clubs of Rottweil, Oberndorf and Elzach are the other three members of this union. The carnival character of �berlingen dates to the 14th century, where it is mentioned in city council documents; the figure is called "Der �berlinger H�nsele," which would translate roughly, and redundantly, as The Little Jackie of �berlingen. On St. Martin's Day, in November, the Carnival clubs officially begin their practice; the club members parade through the streets behind a band playing the H�nsele song. �berlingers fall into line behind the H�nseles, and the procession ends with an impromptu rally in the market square. The carnival clubs heighten their activities closer to Fasnet, the Swabian term for the celebration of carnival (see also Fasching or Fasnacht). Celebrations peak at Shrove Tuesday.
The carnival character, H�nsele, appears in many celebrations throughout the year. There is only one chosen "H�nsele," and he is involved in most civic celebrations; his identity usually remains anonymous
