Fastnacht (1) - Germany celebrates carnival

In Germany as elsewhere, there are four seasons. But also, and this is rarer, a fifth, that of the carnival! But who is not celebrated the same in the north and the south!

Latest edition : 08 February 2018

Masks carved from wood in Cologne? Distribution of "Kamelle" (toffees) in Rottweil? Unthinkable! We don't mix genres! In Germany, Fastnacht and Karnaval are two different worlds, although both have the same origin.

The "mad days" preceded the period of Lent which, in the Christian tradition, begins on Ash Wednesday for a period of 40 days. Since it was forbidden to consume meat, eggs or butter ... and to make love, everyone had a feast to finish the provisions and have fun. To the point that, often, these parties degenerated.

It was then that the bourgeoisie gave a more "cultural" touch to the carnival, with sumptuous balls, historical parades. It was the start of the Rhine carnival with its indoor evenings, endless cavalcades with themed floats. But in southern Germany, in the Baden-Württemberg region, it was a return to the Fastnacht, that famous pre-Lent night, and the centuries-old tradition.

Now is also the time to end the reign of the cold and dark winter evil spirits and chase them away. According to tradition, the unbridled festivities end at midnight sharp on Shrove Tuesday night! Witches' brooms or mannequins filled with straw are then burned.

However, we are not told if the carnival-goers, after having feasted, really give up alcohol, meat and sweets until Easter! What is certain is that members of different associations have no interest in being negatively noticed if they want to don the traditional costume!

Each village has its own carnival characters and companies ensure, throughout the year, respect for traditions but also the behavior of its members.
Each character has a specific meaning, often related to the history of his village.

It is difficult to make a choice among the high places of the German Fasnacht. We have selected a few typical events to help you discover this special atmosphere.

Schramberg, his pretzels and the furry cats