From: Patricia
Date: Sat Nov 15 13:43:47 MST 2003
Subject: Fasching

The other day I called my mom to say "HELLAU" (speak 'hell-ou') to her. It is the official greeting of the German Fasching/Karneval season. It started on November 11th at 11:11 am and will culminate on Mardi Gras at 11:59 pm. This season is celebrated in all the traditionally Catholic regions, namely the southern half of the old west. So on 11/11 the Faschings-Prince and -Princess from the previous season greeted all who would come out to the town market place. In the evening of that day there was a festive event to crown the new season's prince and princess. Between now and February committees will be formed to work on parades, floats, gala events, variety shows, songs, poetry, art work, dances, skits and plays, and stand-up comedy monologues. Usually on the Monday before Ash-Wednesday, which is called "Rose-Monday", each town has their own parade with floats and marching bands. The people on the floats toss candy into the crouds on the side of the road. No. Nobody ever complains or sues if a piece of candy hits them in the face. The kids have a ball! People dress up in costumes, traditionally not scary ones. There are two capitals of Fasching, Cologne and Mainz (near Frankfurt). They each produce and televize nationally an elaborate variety show/gala event, with many celebreties, both participating and watching in the audience. The one criterion that has to be met in all the performances is that it has to be funny. Satire is welcome, but if it isn't at least mildly funny, people will boo them off the stage. The topics include anything of public interest. If it's in the news, it's fair game. ALL the politicians are in for a good roast, and they need it too... Something we should do here... Anyway, long before there was democracy, this tradition helped people vent their frustrations, because these events were the only opportunity the commonfolk had to make known how they really felt about their lords and ladies, without the consequence of imprisonment or worse. So now people still have lots of fun with this and most towns have their own smaller versions of these variety shows and gala evenings. There are also costume parties for both, adults and kids, and other related festivities. Generally the season of parties lies in the three weeks preceding Ash-Wednesday. The six weeks of lent that follow allow for a much needed break...

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