Fastnacht in Dienheim Germany

FASTNACHT 2009

From Left: Wolfgang, Elfriede, Thomas, Christiane, Jörg, Annette, Rita

FASTNACHT: Mardi Gras in Germany

Every year Cousin Rita in Dienheim hosts the Fastnacht Parade Party. This year it rained before and just for a few minutes during the parade but overall it was a great success. There was a total of 50 floats, bands, and dancing groups.

Here is the window where we watch the parade. I think it is perfect because the parade goes right in front of us and we are as high as the wagons and the candy throwers! Also, we can stand inside where it is warm and eat Kreppel (jelly donuts, a Fastnacht tradition) and drink wine or warm tea. It's the best seat to have for the parade.

The Fire Department started the parade. Notice that almost everyone is dressed in a costume. It is like Halloween. The children all have their candy bags ready because everyone in the parade throws candy out to the crowd.

Here is a float or a "Rolle" from a club. Their job is to throw candy to the crowd and yell "HELLAU, HELLAU, HELLAU" (hello, hello, hello) which is part of the Fastnacht Tradition.

Here are a couple of clubs and dance groups. They also yell "Hellau" and throw candy. Oh, yes and in all cases everyone, with hopefully the exception of the float drivers, drink wine and beer along the way. This includes those watching the parade. Dienheim is a wine town so EVERYONE drinks wine.

It was a wonderful day and we hope that everyone has a good time next year.