The Karnevalverein ( Carnival club ) owe their nickname to Mainz 's festive reputation .
That moniker has often been a back - handed insult , with the suggestion that Carnival club could never quite be taken seriously .
The Karnevalverein ( Carnival club ) owe their nickname to Mainz 's festive reputation , but that moniker has often been a back - handed insult , with the suggestion that they could never quite be taken seriously .