Fasching is similar to Mardi Gras in the States. Each town has a parade and festivities in Feb. Each town will hold their Fasching at different times. There is one date for Fasching and its a big holiday in Germany. There are often festivities for the kids too. The entire town gets involved. People dress up as characters to scare winter away. These characters can be very mischievous. Its best not to draw attention to yourself or you may find yourself without your shoe laces, without your hat, or stolen away into the parade itself blocks away from your friends. The bands that play are also very exciting. The viewers of the parade often dress up as well. Many children come to the parade in costume, they throw confetti at the "scary" characters, and have a great time. One warning-if those in the parade are yelling something that requires a response its best to respond even if you don't know the correct pronunciation. Anything similar will keep the mischievous characters away! When in Germany do as the Germans do......
The parade depicted here was in the town of Weil der Stadt. This town's Fasching parade is known as the most characteristic parade in all of Germany. We were told that you must purchase a "tag" or card to wear around neck before entering the town. Some characters boarded the train we were on to sell them and other people sold them on the route to the parade. No one ever checked to see if actually had them, however, the parade schedule was printed on them. They were useful to have for that feature alone. Before the parade you walk up and down the streets of the parade route to purchase food or trinkets. Often times vendors will walk the parade route selling their wares.
It is a very enjoyable experience to attend a Fasching parade.
