Each Monday I travel to the Marienplatz in Munich to play bridge. Yesterday I was greeted with this effigy hanging above the the crowds of people celebrating Fasching. I have no clue who it is supposed to be; perhaps a court jester or joker? But it was Shrove Tuesday or "Fat Tuesday! or "Pancake Tuesday," depending on where you are in the world and here in Munich it is a reason to celebrate.
Most people think Oktoberfest is the biggest celebration in Munich but actually Fasching which begins in November is considered to be bigger.
People dress up in ridiculous costumes, attend parties, and in this case gather at the city square and join the crowds eating candy apples, playing carnival games, dancing to pop music, and drinking lots of beer.
The costumes are everywhere. This fellow was in line at the supermarket when I snapped his photo. I noticed he had a lorikeet on his shoulder and a koala on his hat. His mom was Australian he said. I guess it is as good a reason to wear Australian animals on your Fasching costume as anything else.
5 comments:
We visited Mainz to witness the Fasching parade!! It was an experience to be remembered a lifetime...:D
Sounds a lot like Mardis Gras in New Orleans! I love that sparkly pink shirt the guy had on in the grocery store...what FUN!!!
Is it just a coincidence that the two costumes depict PINK...er, pregnant looking characters? Why the pregnant paunch? So curious!! *Smiles!!
Bobbi, that is an excellent question! I have seen a lot of people in Bavaria dressed like this for Fasching. I wonder if it has any special significance that I'm not aware of. If I find out, I'll be sure to let you know.
My husbands cousin has recentlly moved to Germany and she says the whole fasching thing is very interesting.
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