Last year on November 11th we went to the
start of Karneval with minimal expectations and knowledge. We viewed a
celebration similar to what we might expect at Mardi Gras. There are some similarities,
but lots of differences as well. The real Karneval celebration coincides with
Lent as does Madis Gras, but here in Koln they open the Karneval Season on
November 11th at 11:11 in the morning. Karneval is then put on hold
until after Advent and Christmas. It is basically a street festival with mostly
just adults participating and has been in existence since 1823!!!. There are
costumes, very creatively constructed with couples dressing alike, groups
creating themes, and individuals dressed in a wide variety of costumes usually
not gruesome in nature as in the states with Halloween. It is definitely not as
sexual in nature as Mardi Gras, but drinking of beer especially is in the
middle of it all. There is always music – most of it by live bands on the
streets, on stages, and in hotel ballrooms. Lots of singing, swaying, and tens
of thousands of people in costume traveling to the large squares around the
city to celebrate with the crowds.
Every year there are three people who
are granted the titles of Virgin, Prince and Farmer. They pay a large amount of
money to be the representatives for the festivities. A man dressed as a female
always portrays the virgin. This trio has existed since 1883 and is ever-present
characters in the celebrations. Their costumes are elaborate and traditional.
They are on stage in the biggest square in Koln leading the festivities.
This year some in the FedEx community
decided to dress in a group costume after some of us had a chance to participate
last year and get a taste of how it all goes down. We had 23 people make
costumes, but because of schedules only about half were able to participate on
November 11th. No worries there will be 5 days in February when the
costumes can be resurrected and used again at the big events that happen 5 days
before Lent begins! We had a beautiful sunny day this year, which was
appreciated and enjoyed by our group.  |
| I even found George at Karneval! |
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