Karnival
So, lets start by saying, these German's really know how to party. Lent started yesterday, but the preparations really started a few weeks ago, and by preparations, I mean partying.
In the states, the only thing we have that compares is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Of course there are smaller celebrations in other coastal towns such as Galveston, but the main event is always in the Big Easy.
In Germany, the celebrations began weeks ago. The smaller towns have their parades earlier than the main cities. That means if you know the right people, you can go see a parade every weekend (we don't know the right people, so we didn't).
Weiberfastnacht
Last Thursday was the official beginning of the celebrations. The Thursday before Rosenmontag is known as Weiberfastnacht. The boys both had parties at school. Most importantly, this day is a day for women. In many German cities, the women literally take over the city. At 11:11, women "storm" city hall and kick out the mayor for the rest of the day. In the work place, women walk around cutting off the ties of the men, leaving little silk stumps. The men do, however, get a little kiss for consolation. And if a man is wearing lace up shoes? The scissors get a little more work - snip, snip! The work day often ends at 11:11 (A.M.) and that evening turns into a fun Girl's Night Out (if you know the right people). Münster's celebration is pretty tame, but other cities, such as Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Rosenmontag
Monday, Rosenmontag, is when everyone else joins in on the fun. There is an enormous parade of about 100 wagons, called a "Zug" (the same word used for train). The festivities began at 11:11, and the parade itself stared at 12:12. The parade snakes its way through town very slowly. We met the family of one of our younger son's to watch the parade at their favorite corner. We later learned that the parade takes about an hour to arrive at this particular corner. We were there a bit early, keeping in line with U.S. reasoning of get there before the good spots are taken.
Well, these Germans have a better sense of timing than that. We were there at 11:45 with the idea that half an hour would be enough time to get a good spot. But when we arrived the streets were almost empty! Well, we certainly had our pick of places.
This gave us plenty of time to people watch. Unlike a parade in the U.S., the spectators are expected to dress in costume - everyone (we felt a little weird without costumes). It is even different than New Orleans, where the costumes are normally Mardi Gras themed. Here is a taste of the costumes we saw.
The girl is an angel and the boy is a mat of grass - swamp thing perhaps?
I love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle on a bike.
Dressing as a woman is very a very common costume. Most men end up pretty ugly, but this one was great. Such attention to detail! Notice the leg warmer topped with a ribbon!
The crowds built pretty quickly. Since the parade started at midday, most people brought snacks (except us, of course). They also brought something to drink. EVERYONE had something to drink, young and old alike. Thank goodness they also brought food.
Buzz Lightyear has a buzz!
Sexy costumes are popular too! Besides these construction girls, we saw a ton of "police women". Side note - the temperature was only a little above freezing.
By 1:15, the crowds at our corner had gathered in earnest. The people were getting anxious for the show to begin.
And then we saw the floats. As the first one passed by, our friend said, "That is the first one, there are over one hundred". Did I mention how slow they were moving?
Even though this is a family event, most of the floats were party oriented and not what an American would consider suitable for children.
Besides candy and pre-popped popcorn, plenty of other things were tossed. We happened to catch 4 pairs of sunglasses, two hats, two lanyards, and several bracelets. We saw, but did not get: a wurst (fresh off the grill), fresh and plastic flowers (roses, of course), pillow cases, or dried fruit.
Many of the "kid" floats were still a little freaky looking.
This float might have been representing the bakers of the city. Every few minutes steam would pour out of the ovens.
There were several floats having to do with clocks and clock towers. Between the floats was this crowd of alarm clocks.
After two and a half hours, we finally saw the last float - #110. We said Tschuss (bye) to our friends and made our way home with several pounds of candy.
But...
getting home was easier said than done. We biked home along the Promenade (a pedestrian and bike path that rings the old part of the city), but as I said earlier, the parade snaked through the city. We biked along to a cross street where we found ourselves at parade float #96. There was nothing to be done, so we hopped off our bikes, pulled out the candy bags and yelled "Helau", because that is what you do.
About an hour later and one more parade pause (this time we just pushed our way across) we made it home to look through our candy haul.
Above is gives you an idea of the types of candy we brought home. Most were gummi types of candy.
I thought these "Gummi candy from around the world" were interesting. Notice the "Sitting Bear" and "Kung Fu Bear".
Waffels were another interesting catch.
Brought to you by the same company that brings you those delicious gummi bears - Gummi A@# with ears.
So, now the celebrations and partying are at an end, and for many the real part of the holiday begins. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and many people were spotted with ashes. Both of the schools our children go to had a service where children could receive ashes if they wished.
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