AllThingsGerman.net » Carnival

Truly German: Sweet catchers

Graham — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:36:35 +0000

Catching sweets at the carnival procession can be dangerous. Not only are there sweets and other things flying through the air, but if you do manage to catch something it might get snatched out of your hand.

Even if you are only watching the procession go by, there’s no guarantee that your neighbour will not knock you over with their over-sized handbag.

And I’m only talking about the adults!

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Photos of the Oberursel Carnival Procession

Graham — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:55:12 +0000

Sunday, 14th February, 2010

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Oberursel Karnevalsumzug 2010

The mobile sausage grill

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Aschermittwoch

Graham — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:00:22 +0000

Aschermittwoch is the German name for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Although it is not a public holiday, most companies will allow their employees time off during the day to go to church, if they wish to.

At church, people are blessed with a cross on the forehead made from the ashes of last year’s palm leaves.

This is also the day on which the policital parties hold their regional meetings. The use them to plan for the coming political year, and also to critise the policies of their opponents.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Fastenzeit

Graham — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:50:23 +0000

Fastenzeit is the name given to the time of fasting between Ash Wednesday and Easter. During this time people avoid eating meat, although in some families this is extended to eating sweets and listening to music, or drinking alcohol.

In some areas of Germany, people are not supposed to laugh on Good Friday, or dance between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Some other posts on this topic that you might like to read:

Karnevalsumzug

Graham — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:52:57 +0000

The Karnevalsumzug is a procession that takes place during the main week of the Karneval season.

Taking place in many German towns, these involve a number of floats from local clubs and societies that often represent current political issues. Particularly long processions can be seen in towns such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz and Hamburg.

Many floats throw sweets towards the on-lookers, causing the children to scramble after them. There are also bands that play Guggemusik – which sounds somthing like modern hits being played by a brass band with steel drums.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Subscribe to the podcast | Listen by telephone