Fasching: An Ancient Celebration

Feb 2, 2001 - © Colleen Thomas Ryor

Fasching, also called Fastnacht and Karneval, depending on what region you are from, is an ancient festival celebrated in the German-speaking countries during the Roman Catholic season of Lent. It is similar in nature and spirit to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Fasching takes place in February and was originally designed to drive away the harsh winter with scary costumes and masks, similar to the Hallowe'en celebrated in North America. Fasching is even celebrated in the United States in some German-American communities such as New Ulm, Minnesota.

Activities during Fasching typically include singing, dancing, wearing of costumes, contests, and of course, drinking! If you can't make it to a Fasching celebration in Europe, why not see if your own community has one, or even get one started?

The copyright of the article Fasching: An Ancient Celebration in Germanic Culture is owned by Colleen Thomas Ryor. Permission to republish Fasching: An Ancient Celebration in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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