Germany celebrates ‘crazy’ season

This is the time when certain areas in Germany celebrate their “fifth season,” also known as the crazy season. Depending on the region, it is called Fastnacht, Fasching or Karneval. Here, in the Pfalz region, it’s called “Fassenacht” or “Fastnacht,” in Bavaria it’s “Fasching,” and in the Cologne area it’s “Karneval.”

Fasching officially begins at 11:11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month. Carnival clubs and associations start preparations for all kinds of events, such as parades, that will take place during the fifth season. Fasting always ends on Ash Wednesday, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

In the first week of the new year, carnival clubs crown their new Fastnacht princess or prince. The mayor hands them the keys to the city or village and thus the executive power. Now, Fasching celebrations can officially start.

“Maskenball,” meaning “masquerade ball;” “Faschingstanz,” meaning “Fasching dance;” and “Prunksitzung,” meaning “pomp session,” are the events being announced on signs, posters and in newspapers. There are parties, dances, funny speeches and parades. It’s a time for being crazy and wild, cheering up, having fun and, the most important factor, the time to disguise. Visitors of Fasching events are encouraged to dress up in costumes. If they are not in disguise, they have to pay a higher admission fee when entering Fasching events in community halls, culture centers, sports gyms and ballrooms. Some organizations conduct best costume contests and hand out prizes.

During Fasching, women do not need a male escort when going to a dance. It’s even up to them to ask the man for a dance, and the man better not say “no.”

A typical Fasching event is the “Prunksitzung.” Traditionally, carnival associations sponsor and organize this event. Amateur comedians perform, in their local dialect, humorous speeches spiced with sarcasm about local happenings, people or politics. In between speeches, carnival club members sing and dance. A committee consisting of a president and 11 counselors watch the session from their seats in the back of the stage. After each performance, committee members present medals to the performers.

Fastnacht has its origin in ancient times when people realized that with the start of a new year, spring would soon be on its way. To make it possible for spring to arrive, the demons of winter had to be chased away. Therefore, people dressed in evil-looking costumes and masks. They danced in the streets looking like devils, demons and witches and used noise-making devices, bells and drums to scare away the winter ghosts.

Through the centuries, the season developed into a Christian ritual. The literal translation of the word “Fastnacht” means “night of fasting.” Today, it’s the time of merriment and laughter preceding Lent, which is the 40-day period before Easter.

The word Karneval also refers to the fasting period. The Latin expression “carne vale” means “farewell, meat” and describes the time of celebrations before Lent when people have to renounce meat, opulent meals and festivities.

The main days of the crazy season are Altweiberfasching, meaning “Old Women’s Fasching,” on Feb. 4, Rose Monday on Feb. 8 and Fat Tuesday on Feb. 9.

Rose Monday is known for colorful parades with floats, musicians, dancers and walking groups in creative costumes going through towns.

The biggest parade in the Westpfalz area always takes place on Fat Tuesday in Ramstein-Miesenbach.