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The Swabian-Alemannic carnival has its origins in festivals that served to use up perishable food before the start of Lent. Such festivals have been documented in Central Europe since the 13th century and varied greatly from region to region. From the 14th century onwards, customs such as dances, parades and carnival games were added in which food played a central role.

Theologically interpreted: Shrove Tuesday was equated with the devil's state and Lent with God's state, which led to the development of devil figures and jesters. It used to be assumed that Shrovetide was of non-Christian origin, but today it is generally agreed that the church was necessary for its creation. Shrovetide was often an opportunity to criticise the authorities and the clergy, which led to prohibitions.

In the 17th century, during the Baroque period, the carnival experienced a revaluation and refinement of the costumes and masks, which were now carved from wood. There was also a clear Italian influence through the Commedia dell'arte.

Origins and Development:

Dates back to the Middle Ages

Originally a pagan custom to drive away winter and its spirits

Integrated into the church calendar with Christianization, positioned before Lent

Church Integration:

Evolved over centuries and became tolerated and encouraged by the church

Serves as a preparation for Lent, ending traditionally on Ash Wednesday

Masks and Costumes:

Features elaborate wooden masks (Larven) depicting demons, animals, or grotesque figures

Costumes (Häs) typically made from natural materials like straw or cloth

Narrenzünfte:

Traditional organizations: Preserve and promote Fasnet customs.

Roles and responsibilities: Create masks, design costumes, perform in parades.

Community involvement: Involve participants of all ages in local celebrations.Organize the festival's events and parades

Deeply rooted in the history of their respective towns or villages

Rituals and Customs:

Includes "Narrenbaumstellen", "Hexentaufe" (witch baptism), and "Schmotziger Donnerstag" (dirty Thursday)

Traditional calls like "Narri Narro" are common

Regional Differences:

Celebrations vary significantly by region

Towns like Rottweil, Villingen-Schwenningen, and Elzach are known for their traditional and spectacular Fasnet parades

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similarities to other cultures:

Brazil: Carneval

New Orleans (USA): Mardi Gras

Venedig (Italien): Carnevale di Venezia

Trinidad and Tobago (Karibik): Trinidad Carnival

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big hats, feathers and jewellery

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large sculptures and festival carriages

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venetian masks and ancient costumes

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Cross-curricular lesson plan: (Class 7: age 9-13)

introduction to Fasnet (history and current enactment, other countries) (English and Sachkunde)

decide on the things and values they want to protest about (with class teacher)

Art: crafting masks and materials for the protest

organize the protest which should take place one day before "Fasnetsferien"

Budgetplaning in Maths

Make Fasnetskrapfen (Hauswirtschaft, MNK)

Learn about regional "Fasnetsmusic" (music)

Close it up with participating on "Gumpiger Donnerstag"

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more than just a festival

living culture practice that shows historical, social and symbolic dimensions

provides a window into values, beliefs and identities

-> Fasnet contributes to a deeper understanding of how traditions are maintained, transformed and experienced