Fasching II: Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht and local festivals  [13.02.23]

Swabian-Alemannic carnival is different from the bubbly carnival in other parts of Germany. Distinct are the wooden masks of witches, devils, mythical creatures and jesters, passed down generation after generation. Find out which celebrations are happening in the Stuttgart area.

 

Swabian-Alemannic Carnival

Swabian-Alemannic carnival is called Fastnacht or Fasnet and is also held in the Stuttgart region, e.g. in the towns of Neuhausen, Weil der Stadt, and Rottweil. It is a part of the bigger "Fasnacht" carnival season festival that takes place in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This type of carnival is renowned for its distinctive customs, attire, and vibrant masks, most of which have their origins in medieval folk culture.

First of all - why is it called “Fasching” or “Fastnacht” and not carnival (“Karneval”) in southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland? "Vaschang" ("serving of Lenten drink") refers to the last serving of alcoholic beverages before Lent. In contrast, carnival means something quite different: its origin is not entirely clear, probably having evolved from the Middle Latin "de carne levare ieiunium" - meaning roughly "fasting by taking meat away", becoming the older Italian "carne vale" - "meat, farewell!". In both cases, however, people are saying goodbye to things that were/are taboo during Lent.

The Swabian-Alemannic Carnival is a vibrant and thriving cultural event with a long history and strong ties to the region's cultural heritage. The fact that UNESCO has designated it an Intangible World Cultural Heritage in 2014 speaks volumes about how crucial it is to protect and advance traditional cultural festivals and the distinctive cultural traditions they represent.
The intricate masks and costumes, buzzy parades, and boisterous parties and celebrations that make up the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival are its defining features. People participate in parades and other celebrations, sometimes featuring music and dance, while dressed up in spectacular costumes, masks, and other attire throughout the carnival. The festival is a time for people to come together to celebrate the end of winter and the entrance of spring as well as to take part in a variety of long-standing cultural customs.

The "Schwoof," a traditional style of carnival dance that involves individuals moving in a circle, frequently in time to the music, is one of the highlights of the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival. The Schwoof is a vibrant and spirited dance that plays a significant role in the cultural history of the carnival.

Characteristic to the Swabian-Alemannic carnival is the disguise of the participants with masks, which usually consist of wood, in exceptional cases also of cloth, paper, clay, sheet metal or wire. Typical costumes include witches, devils, mythical figures, so-called "wild people" (mostly costumes made of straw), jesters and animal figures. The costume wearers do not change their disguise (these costumes are called "Häs") from year to year, but always keep it. In some areas, it is even customary to pass them down through the generations. If you're lucky, you'll not only experience a fascinating celebration, but you'll get to see living history up close with authentic costumes.

 

Fasnet in Neuhausen a. d. Fildern
The carnival is celebrated in Neuhausen (take bus 120) with a variety of activities, such as parades, masked balls, and musical performances. The "Narrensprung" (fool's jump), when participants dance and sing through the streets while being accompanied by brass music and percussion, is one of the highlights of the Neuhausen carnival. Interestingly, however, Neuhausen is a special case as they have cribbed some traditions from the Rhenish carnival and combined them with the already existing traditions of the region - so it is more like a fusion carnival.

Weil der Stadt
The carnival is a significant event in Weil der Stadt (take S6) as well, and it includes a number of customary events including "Schleicherlaufen" (masked runners), "Hexe" (witch) parades, and "Narrenbaum" (fool's tree) processions. This area's carnival is distinguished by processions, musical group performances, and gatherings in bars and halls.

Rottweil
One of Germany's oldest and most renowned carnivals is held in Rottweil (take regional train). The "Narrensprung" procession, which takes place on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, is a hallmark of this festival. Participants in this procession march through the town's historic center while wearing ornate costumes and masks, including the renowned Rottweil "Schwarzwälder Kaltblut" (Black Forest Cold Blood) horse masks. The "Schlitzohren" or "rascals" costumes from this carnival are also well-known for their intricate wooden masks and towering, cone-shaped caps. On the Monday before Ash Wednesday, there is a sizable parade in Rottweil, as well as street celebrations and musical entertainment.  

 

Modern realization of the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival in Germany  

The Swabian-Alemannic Carnival is still celebrated in its traditional form today in Germany, although with certain changes made to reflect the periods and cultural attitudes of the day. Despite this, many of the carnival's essential components—such as the vibrant masks, costumes, and parades—remain unaltered.  

An increased focus on inclusivity and diversity is one of the major differences in how the carnival is realized today. The participation of people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds is actively encouraged by many carnival organizations today, and there is a bigger emphasis on fostering an environment that is inclusive and safe for everyone.  
Utilizing new technologies and social media platforms to advertise and raise awareness of the events is another feature of the modern carnival. Nowadays, a lot of carnival groups have websites and social media pages where people can communicate and share their experiences as well as information about the schedule of events.  
Additionally, there is a growing understanding of how large-scale carnival festivities affect the environment, and many groups are now attempting to cut waste and promote sustainability during their events. For instance, several carnival organizations power their floats with renewable energy sources, while recycling materials are becoming more and more popular for use in costumes and decorations.  

Despite these modifications, the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival continues to be a significant cultural occasion in Germany and a time for residents to unite and enjoy music, dance, and merriment.

 

The Stuttgart area's Swabian-Alemannic Carnival is a colorful celebration of customs, music, and dance that unites people and add to the cultural diversity of the area. Check out the cities' websites to learn more, or do your own browsing to find even more traditional Fasching celebrations in the area. :)

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