Our First Fasching

Have you ever heard of Fasching? Chances are you haven't unless you've been in Europe during the Fasching time,or are a contestant on Jeopardy. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking that I'm not the only uncultured one around here! For those who don't know what Fasching is, it is a lot like Mardi Gras in the US or Carnival in Italy. It is the celebration leading up to Lent.

Fasching actually begins on November 11 at 11:11 am and continues through the following Ash Wednesday. The main celebration is around Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), which was this week. Last Thursday was the day when women were allowed to cut the tie of (and kiss) any man they saw fit. It was also the day equivalent to Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday, where people feast on the things they would traditionally give up during Lent. Although, these celebrations are very religious in origin, like most holidays, they seemed to have warped into something a little different.

What we experienced of Fasching were two parades and a big party. The best my brain can do to equate it to, is Halloween. Everyone dresses up. EVERYONE. We thought it would mainly the children who dressed up, so Saturday when we went to the kid's parade, we went in regular clothes. Peyton threw on a cape and the girls each wore a mask. Nothing too elaborate. Well, shame on me for not doing better research. My poor kids looked slightly out of place next to the various princesses, pirates, and adorable little animals. Thus, less treats for them. People would literally walk by them with candy in their hands, and move the girls aside so they could give it to someone else. They did get to see some of their friends who were participating in the parade, so they managed to score quite a bit of goodies from them.

Sunday was the big parade downtown. And when I say big, I mean packed full of people AND long. It was just under three hours of floats and bands and various people in masks. And it was pretty darn awesome. Luckily our friends met us there, because they were able to loan us a bag to hold all the candy and treats the kids got. I don't think I've ever seen such a cool procession of unique costumes and ideas before. The different floats would throw candy, popcorn, magnets, pens, sponges (?), just about anything. Heck-poor Peyton even got smacked in the face with a coloring book. I'm not saying it's the safest idea--you definitely have to pay attention--but it was great! Plus it was my opportunity to dress up. I thoroughly enjoy putting on a costume. Especially if I've somehow pulled it together from things that weren't meant to be a costume. Since it was Sunday, most stores were closed and there was no last minute picking anything up. We made due with what we had on hand, and we weren't too shabby looking, I think.

We are also extremely lucky that the friends we met at the parade, Sean and Danielle, also happen to be professional photographers, and they were able to snap a few cool pictures of us at the parade. If you are in the Wiesbaden area and you're looking for a photographer, you should definitely check them out!!!

Photos courtesy of our friends at TBD Photography

All-in-all, I'd say our first Fasching was a success,we have some valuable knowledge for the next years to come, and a new challenge for how outrageous a costume we can come up with!