Fastnacht

This year, I am making a concerted effort to ensure that we go to festivals and fairs in the villages we are visiting. One of the things I love about Europe is that villages and its traditions can be so different within 5 miles of one another.

We were fortunate enough to be in Germany at this time of year to celebrate the end of winter. A pagan celebration of chasing out the cold spirits and welcoming in the spring and winter spirits, this traditional festival has woven in many cultural events.

Fastnacht normally kicks off in November (11 mins past 11 ) with celebrations similar to halloween. It ends in a number of activities in March on Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

Since it is obligatory to wear a costume to the karnival, we wore our onsies - the things we have for the Santiago Camino - so so glad we have them.. they were fantastic - warm and comfy - like wearing your bed around.. don't diss it till you try it.

Our little village hosts a wonderful floats and bands parade on the Sunday. Similar in ways to halloween, people get dressed up to scare away the evil spirits of winter and to celebrate being 'foolish.'  The floats in the parade are filled with people throwing sweets out into the crowd.  There are so many marching bands and organisations all trying to outdo the other with the bright costumes and music.

Heres the peeps eating bratwurst

We hd been warned to take very large backpacks to fill with the amounts of gifts we would be getting.  I didn't  quite realise how much the kids would get... wow.. this sure beats going from door to door to ask for lollies!

I have so many snaps of the karnival, but below are some of my favourite. There were groups of friends who themed their costumes; like this brave lot who came as he man ( only an 80s kid is going to remember that!)