Fastnacht - German Carnival
In the lead up to lent many German towns and cities celebrate their ‘5th season’ – or ‘foolish season’. Some historians say its original purpose was to help people get over the dark days of winter and welcome in springtime, others say it’s a feat before the fasting of lent. The festivals occur most commonly (but not exclusively) in the more Catholic South of Germany.
Typically festivities start the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and each town / city have their own unique traditions and ways of celebrating it – with different carnival chants / cries and costumes. One thing in common is that they all seem to have parades – some more children oriented, others with large floats, some wearing bells parading throughout the night. Costumes vary – in the black country region you’ll find witches and ‘Brothers Grimm’ fairytale type characters, town councillors, Vikings, white night gowns and caps and a common dressing up theme seems to be the fool in varying guises. In one town it is tradition for children to wear costumes stuffed with straw which they take out and stuff down other peoples shirts (for luck) as they walk round their parade. At some parades chocolates, sweets and flowers are thrown to the crowds.
The Thursday is often known as ‘women’s carnival night’ when women try to cut the tie off any man within reach and even kiss them – so you’ve been warned! The Sunday is typically known as the ‘Sunday of Sparks’ when there is usually some sort of ceremonial burning.
Being Germany of course the street food is plentiful and good quality. You’ll find ‘fastnacht kuchen’ (diamond shaped doughnut like cakes dipped in sugar), from the black country un-surprisingly black leg hams and black forest cake (gateaux).
Fastnacht Kuchen
Some of the most famous carnival (Karneval) celebrations take place in Cologne and Munich.
This entry has been viewed 506 times.
READER COMMENTS:
No comments yet.
