Fasching 2012 {Part 2}

AHA!  So Germans call Fasching the "Fifth Season," although the traditional Fasching week lasts only six days.  According to Swabian dialect, the word Fasching, or Fasnacht, is derived from the word fasting.  Fasching marks the week before Ash Wednesday and kicks of the Narrische Zeit or "foolish season" where Germans pretty much just cut loose before entering the 40-day lent season.

So this is how Fasching week is broken down:

It starts on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Thursday is referred to as Schmotziger Donnerstag, or Greasy Thursday.  Schmotzig is lard or grease and refers to all the yummy foods people indulge in during this period of celebration.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are characterized by parades and street parties in the many cities and towns. 

Monday is also called Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday.  Rose Monday, along with Fat Tuesday, are also marked by parades and street parties.  On the evening of Fat Tuesday the Fasnacht, represented by a witch (in Southern Germany) is buried in a casket and the "wild" days end at midnight.

As I said yesterday, it was such a lively and fun time witnessing the parade in the town of Weil der Stadt, which is just a half hour away from Patch Barracks.  All kinds of costumed people would come and taunt us (by poking at us or ruffling our hair).  Most of them gave us candies or threw them at us from elaborate floats.  One group of ladies handed out apple streudel.  Yummy!  There must have been about 60 groups in the parade line up.  Most of them were bands from other towns.  I'm talking about marching bands with people of all ages playing throughout.  We absolutely loved the music!

Anyway, let me let the pictures do the rest of the talking!

We had to pick up badges on the way in.  Sina was all packed up in her Kelty kid carrier.  Let me tell you...that Kelty is awesome!

This is at the entry to the town.  Pretty, huh?

Wish we'd gone all the way into the town, but the crowds got bigger further in. 

 

I can't remember which movie I'd seen these costumes in.  Anyone know?

The strudel lady.  More please!

I know those girls were cold.  It was pretty chilly that day!

Most of the masks were made out of carved wood.  They're amazing!

One "witch" trying to hand Madisen some candy.

Group Photo!

Hey, I had to get in one too!

I have yet to go to a Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but at least I can say that I've done Fasching in Germany.  I'd love to do Carnivale in Venice!  Maybe next year!