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Eleven is the magic number when it comes to Karneval, also known as Fasching or Fastnacht.
The eleventh day of the eleventh month, the eleventh hour and eleventh minute of the year mark the beginning of the “fifth season” as Germans and fans of the colorful and crazy festivities tend to say.
You may ask yourself, what is this crazy season all about when grown people walk around in outrageous costumes, singing silly nonsense songs and living it up? Women storming city halls, stealing the keys and cutting off men’s ties. Children turning into cowboys, princesses, or clowns.
Fasching events, such as dances, lengthy silly meetings with a council of eleven sitting on the stage with magnificent Fasching hats and a festive princess (or even prince), colorful parades with floats depicting and making fun of prominent politicians, and (some) fans of the season completely out of bounds for a whole weekend.
What are the origins and history of the season?
The historical origin of Karneval is rather obscure. It may have its roots in a primitive festival honoring the beginning of the new year and rebirth of nature. It could just as well be linked to the beginnings of carnival in Italy, where the city of Venice is famed for its celebrations when wealthy and less fortunate wore elaborate masks and mingled during the season, otherwise unheard of. The pagan Saturnalian festival of ancient Rome (celebrated in February or early March) may have also played a significant role in the development of the tradition.
Karneval in Germany was noted as early as the 13th century and became very popular to allow commoners to mock the monarchy and politicians without fear of retribution, but then really took off in the 19th and 20th centuries. Therefore, many “official” Karneval costumes copy some of those old uniforms and dresses.
Generally speaking, the season is more popular in Catholic dominated areas such as in southern Germany, the southwest and west areas along the Dutch and Belgian borders. Fasching is always celebrated just before the fasting season of Lent, which is when many people forsake food as a sacrifice for religious reasons. Therefore, Fasching is the time to indulge, celebrate, and embrace all that is good before things are out of bounds during Lent.
Cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz have elaborate parades with bands, dance groups and hand-made floats on Rose Monday. In Baden-Württemberg there is a special type of Karneval called “Fasnet” where participants will wear spooky and very creepy looking masks and dress up as witches pounding on drums, traditionally intended to scare off any winter spirits and bring about spring.
The highlights of the season:
This year Thursday Feb. 8, known as “Altweiberfasching” (old wives) was when women took over power in the city halls and celebrated lively parties in the evening, and cut ties.
The upcoming weekend goes into full swing when dances and other social events take place, always starting eleven minutes after the hour, while on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) there are parades around the country. Although it is not considered a public holiday, many Fasching lovers take off from work and dive into the festivities. In some regions, smaller shops or offices may be closed for the day.
Faschingsdienstag, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is another day of celebration, and the largest parade in the region takes place in Ramstein-Miesenbach, this year on Feb. 13, starting at 2 p.m., often with Kaiserslautern Military Community group engagement along with local German and French participants.
Also watch for social media posts regarding road blocks and detours that afternoon.
The concept of Karneval has spread throughout the world with Samba competitions in Brazil, colorful festivities in the Caribbean and famous Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
This year, Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday) is Feb. 14, the beginning of Lent and a halt for all fun. Well maybe not, it is after all, Valentine’s Day, and meant to spoil your loved ones.
