German Traditional Carnival

The Carnival marching in Germany is not a public holiday, therefore, it is not usually paid much attention by the foreigners and outside tourists. However, Germans celebrate the Carnival to keep their traditions and history heritage. Traditionally the Carnival is celebrated in many regions and each region has its own name and differentiates a little. The most popular places for the Carnival marching are Cologne where it is called ‘Fastelofvand’, in the Southern Bavaria where it is called ‘Fasnet’. But the most popular names are Fastnacht in Mainz and Karneval in the Rhineland where the celebration is the brightest and most impressive.

Historically the Carnival takes its roots Easter religious origin as it starts just before the Ash Wednesday and continues before the Lent. The first maskers’ marching was recorded in the 12 th century and the longest celebrations were taken in Cologne. After a few dark centuries the tradition was revived in the 19 th century. The main stimulus to go out in the streets and wear costumes and masks was the French occupation: the Germans wanted to demonstrate their anti-military policy and ridiculed Napoleon’s soldiers by funny performances. For example, a few people wearing in military costumes and carrying wooden rifles demonstrated the stupid soldiers who did the commands contrary to the ones given by their commander.

Today the Carnival is featured by two events which are worth a visit:

• the Rose Monday Parade
• the women’s masking which is called ‘the women’s Carnival’

The Rose Monday Parade starts just after the Carnival beginning (11 November) and it is the bright performance with the election of the Prince, the Princess and their guards. Traditionally these positions are of great honor and proud for the citizens who have been elected. Each town has its own Carnival association which duty is to select the worthy men and carry the votes. During the Rose Parade a special Carnival trailer transports the royal family together with their guards and children. The central procession throws out the sweets and small gifts to the crowd while the crowd dressing in animals’, plants’ and ghosts’ costumes performs the real show: men and women demonstrate the German historical figures, legendary heroes and even modern governors! They used to ridicule the local officials with the most unsuccessful projects and failures.
The women’s Carnival is a separate part of the whole celebration and draws more and more attention now because of its uniqueness: women wear cross-dress costumes, go out in the streets with big scissors, trick men and cut the men’s accessories with their scissors! Those who are gender rights’ defenders can really enjoy this performance! The German men do not even try to hide because women do not pass over any tavern or a small bar! They come in, sing, dance and bother men with funny dialogues and speeches.
The Carnival continues the whole month up to the Lent beginning and its spectators are welcome!

Related links:

The official site of the German Carnival origin

2006 Carnival in Germany