Since Thursday, we have been participating in various Fasching celebrations. But, what in the world is Fasching you may be wondering (at least I did)??? In the simplest of explanations and comparisons, it is the “Mardi Gras” of Germany. It is also sometimes referred to as “Karneval Time.” Officially, the season starts on the 11th of November at 11:11am, although you would never really know it is “Fasching” until the days prior to Ash Wednesday. The days prior to Ash Wednesday, people are allowed to “whoop it up” and behave recklessly before the beginning of Lent. It is a time to break the rules, poke fun at those who make the rules and then make your own rules. Historically, a prince and princess were selected to rule the country during the Fasching season. Political authorities and high placed persons were the target of ridicule and featured in humorous speeches; to avoid persecution, the common folk would perform behind masks and costumes. Still today, many of the floats have political messages and involve colorful costumes and masks.
Last Thursday was known as “Weiberfastnacht” or “Women’s Carnival Night.” On this day tradition holds that women are allowed to cut off the tie of any man within reach. The women are also allowed to kiss any man they like (luckily Matt was in Spain for work:). Yesterday, it was “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday). On Rosenmontag, there were a lot of various street processions that involved costumes and carnival floats. And today is known as “Faschingsdienstag” (Carnival Tuesday). It is the last day of Fasching, thus Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. Even as I type this Blog entry, I can hear people outside on the streets “whooping it up!”
Fasching is celebrated in mainly Catholic parts of Germany. As I was compiling information on, “what in the world is Fasching,” I continually noted that the largest of the Fasching celebrations is in Cologne. This city has the longest tradition with street parties dating back to the 14th century. Throughout the streets, there are multiple alcohol and donut vendors. What is the deal with donuts? Again, with the largest of the parties being held the eve of Ash Wednesday, people like to binge on the items that many will “give up” during Lent. The donuts come in all varieties containing sweets such as vanilla, marmalade or chocolate.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Fasching. Every event involved brightly colored & detailed costumes and lively music. The parades were not like any parade I had ever attended before. Almost every float had either people drinking on the float and/or handing out alcohol to parade spectators; spectators were encouraged to bring “Red Solo Cups” for alcohol to be poured into. Another common way of “sharing alcohol” with parade spectators involved the people on the floats spraying alcohol into spectators’ mouths using spray bottles. And yet, some floats had simple kegerators that people could just walk up to and pour themselves a brew:). No doubt about it that each celebration was a tad “bizarre” we had a lot fun and each party! Matt and I often commented though if only we were attending Fasching 10-years ago and we could have “fully” participated in the celebration! Instead we were only interested in keeping Elle & Britta safe, having fun as a family AND getting LOTS of candy:)!! My how times change!!
 |
| It is nearly impossible to get a family picture where everyone is looking at the camera. BUT, we were celebrating Fasching together AND most importantly, it was Britta's 2nd Birthday!! |
 |
| These witches are intended to "scare away winter!" I had the lovely experiences of one witch putting a lollipop down my shirt and another one rubbing confetti in my hair. Elle said, "Mom, I turned around and the witch was putting paper in your hair; I did not know what was going on but you were laughing so I thought it must be OK." I am only hoping these moments are going to bring me good luck or something:)!! |
 |
| These witches were enjoying some wine attached to their broomsticks! |
 |
| There were multiple marching bands... each with new costumes and a new theme! |
 |
| This witch had an evergreen attached to his/her back! |
 |
| This float appeared to have more food than alcohol. |
 |
| Elle loved seeing all the Smurfs! |
 |
| Elle with some of the other John Deere Expat kiddos! |
 |
| Some of the costumes of spectators standing across the street from where we were standing |
 |
| Another band... |
 |
| Not a pretty picture:) |
 |
| Fresh & hot donuts from our German neighbors. They tasted IDENTICAL to the German Fritters my Gram makes! I am going to get my Gram's recipe and compare them to the recipe of these donuts. The adults and kids loved them today! |
 |
| Elle and her friend Maddie getting ready for the parade today. |
 |
| Little Ariel getting all ready:) |
 |
| The crew today watching the parade in our town. |
 |
| Britta missing out on yet ANOTHER Fasching parade due to it occurring once again during nap time! On Sunday, she slept on Daddy's shoulder and today it was Mommy's lap. |
 |
| More drunk smurfs! |
 |
| Care Bears?!?!? |
 |
| Elle checking out how much candy she had:) |
 |
| Another Care Bear...hopefully giving Elle only candy:) |
 |
| A float??? |
 |
| I am not sure how interested these spectators were in the actual floats... |
 |
| Elle playing outside, after her Fasching party at her KiGa last Thursday. |
Since Thursday, we have been participating in various Fasching celebrations. But, what in the world is Fasching you may be wondering (at least I did)??? In the simplest of explanations and comparisons, it is the “Mardi Gras” of Germany. It is also sometimes referred to as “Karneval Time.” Officially, the season starts on the 11th of November at 11:11am, although you would never really know it is “Fasching” until the days prior to Ash Wednesday. The days prior to Ash Wednesday, people are allowed to “whoop it up” and behave recklessly before the beginning of Lent. It is a time to break the rules, poke fun at those who make the rules and then make your own rules. Historically, a prince and princess were selected to rule the country during the Fasching season. Political authorities and high placed persons were the target of ridicule and featured in humorous speeches; to avoid persecution, the common folk would perform behind masks and costumes. Still today, many of the floats have political messages and involve colorful costumes and masks.
