Was ist los in Franken? Jan. 20, 2017

ANSBACH, Germany (Jan. 20, 2017) – “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout Middle, Lower and Upper Franconia.

Groups in scary masks are often part of carnival parades. (Photo: Guido Radig)

Fasching, Fastnacht & Karneval

The Fasching season, also known as the “fifth season” in Germany, has a long tradition in Europe; it originates in the preparation for the six-week fasting time during lent, which ends on Easter. Fasching, Fastnacht, or Karneval is a time when Germans loosen up a little, dress up in funny costumes and party. Karneval is especially popular in the Rhine region; cities like Cologne, Mainz or Düsseldorf more or less shut down to party during the high season. The date of the long Fasching weekend varies, depending on the church calendar; while the official start of the season is always on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 a.m., the revelers stay mostly dormant during the Advent and Christmas season until the actual high Fasenacht season in the following spring. In the time between New Year’s and the high Fasching season many towns and villages host balls, parties and parades. Party goers typically dress up as a character, similar to Halloween. German police are cruising the streets more frequently at night to catch those who drink and drive.

For children, many communities host parties called “Kinderfasching,” usually taking place in a community center or gym. These events involve dress-up for the kids, a lot of loud music and dancing, games, face painting and food. They are quite popular with the kids, while the parents go along as chaperones (ear plugs recommended!).

The high season starts with Altweiberfasnacht, or crazy Thursday (Feb. 23), when traditionally in many towns the women take over the city’s courthouse and cut off the tie of any man who dares to wear one. After attending parties all weekend long, people flock to the large cities like Cologne or Mainz to watch the Rosenmontag (“Rose Monday”) parades (Feb. 27), or stay local and enjoy smaller parades, often with folklore background.

Faschingsdienstag (Feb. 28) – Shrove Tuesday – offers one last chance to party hard and then “bury” the carnival at midnight until following year. Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday) marks the beginning of Fastenzeit (“fasting time“- lent); the weeks before Easter are often used as a time for reflection and renunciation of certain personal vices (like smoking, alcohol or candy).


New Year’s Concert in Wolframs-Eschenbach
The town of Wolframs-Eschenbach is hosting their traditional New Year’s concert Jan. 28 and 29. The concert takes place at the Sporthall on Steingrubenweg 5; doors open at 5 p.m., the concert starts at 6 p.m. (no reserved seating).Tickets for 13 euros can be purchased at the Rathaus (city hall), Sparkasse or Apotheke. To find out more, contact 09875-9755-0 or info@wolframs-eschenbach.de 


Wedding Fair in Nürnberg
The Nürnberg Messezentrum will be site of a wedding fair Jan. 21 and 22. Visitors find the latest trends of bridal fashion, decoration, rings, etc. Doors are open Saturday from 1 – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more, visit Messe Nürnberg


Swan Lake – Classic Ballet
The Russian ballet from Moscow is performing Swan Lake at the Markgrafensaal Schwabach (Ludwigstrasse 16) Jan. 24, starting at 7 p.m. Learn more at Ballet


Irish Folk in Rothenburg
The Irish folk band Goitse plays in Rothenburg Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Korn Central-Garage  (Schützenstraße 11). To find out more, visit Rothenburg


The Cavern Beatles play in Gunzenhausen
The Cavern Beatles, a Beatles tribute band, play in Gunzenhausen at the Stadthalle (Isle-Platz 1) Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. To learn more, visit  Stadthalle


Country Blues in Nürnberg
The Dennis Schütze Combo plays a mixture of traditional Country, urban Blues and experimental Jazz at the JazzStudio Nürnberg (Paniersplatz 27) Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. Find out more at Jazzstudio


Kinder Fasching Ball in Nürnberg
A Fasching ball for children – hosted by one of the large Fasching associations, the “Luftflotte” – is taking place at the Gemeindesaal St. Paul (Moritzbergstr. 14) Jan. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m.  To learn more, visit Luftflotte


Cajun Band “Le Clou” in Nürnberg
The Cajun band “Le Clou” plays in Nürnberg at the Loni-Übler-Haus (Marthastraße 60) Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. To learn more, visit Kulturverein


Kneipenfestival – Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This year’s pub crawl in Rothenburg takes place Jan. 28 in several location throughout the town. One ticket buys admission for all locations. To learn more, visit Kneipenfestival Rothenburg


Phantom of the Opera
The Central Music Company brings you the Phantom of the Opera Jan. 30, 8 p.m., at Meistersingerhalle (Münchener Straße 21). Find out more details at Phantom

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