Fasching

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!