This week was Fasching or karneval. Most of
the schools in Mosbach had Ferien (off from school), including mine. I had
hoped to visit a bigger city in order to participate in the festivities, but
things were really busy with the Witheralls and I was sick. However, I was able
to partake of the Fasching traditional experience of eating Berliners. Last
week my German teacher brought Berliners for the class so we could celebrate
Fasching.
Fasching is a pre-Lenten Catholic celebration, although many
non-Catholics celebrate it. Originally it was a time of feasting for Catholics
before they began fasting for Lent. For some it was a time of going wild and
breaking the rules. Today it is a holiday in Germany and other parts of Europe.
It is usually held the week of Ash Wednesday. It is a time of festivals and
carnivals. It is almost like our
Halloween…everyone dresses up in costumes and eats delicious pastries and
candy. People especially wear decorated hats and masks. The children in kindergarten celebrate
Fasching too. They were allowed to wear costumes to kindergarten and had their
faces painted. The Fasching festivities also include parades, music, costume
balls, and plays. Unfortunately, there was no carnival in Mosbach, but there
was parade on Saturday that went through town. I also saw a large parade on
TV…almost like our Thanksgiving parades!
