Fasching

Last week saw Munich's downtown area awash in costumed Germans for the Fasching festival, a celebration that dates back at least to the 13th century. The dates for the festival vary depending on the account. Some places list November 11 (at 11:11 a.m.) as the beginning, while other say it starts at Epiphany. The ending, however, is definitely on Ash Wednesday. While it has different historical significance, it shares many similarities with Mardi Gras as a celebration before the season of Lent.

While the festival's German center is Cologne, Munich's Marienplatz area was bustling with costumed revelers. The scene had the feel of a mix between Mardi Gras and Halloween. The costumes were not as dark and foreboding as Halloween, though, and while there was plenty of beer available, you would not find quite the drunken party atmosphere of New Orleans come Fat Tuesday.

 
The celebration last Sunday included a live band playing everything from 50s music to Spanish songs to Rolling Stones as people in costumes danced. A walk down the center square toward Karlsplatz saw more costumes, drumlines and another stage of live music, along lots of booths with snacks and beverages.

Tuesday's finale at a market just around the corner from Marienplatz featured people packed around all sides of a stage, as many as could be crammed in. Unfortunately, the announcements by a vivacious pair of hosts were made in German, so those were lost on me, but a group of ladies came up and did a series of dances to tango, waltz as well as more contemporary music.

People dressed as soldiers, cows, the Seven Dwarfs (I counted to make sure), barbarians, as well as ladies in 19th century full Mardi Gras style regalia milled about, drank and had a great time.