11-11-11-11. Time to Party?
A couple years ago, Borg and I, returning from a few months in Iraq, found ourselves, along with a couple other squadron mates, in the shopping district in Mainz, Germany and the city’s main square. Just before noon, we walked into the middle of a large, costumed, festival crowd. Having previously lived in Germany for four years, it suddenly came to me, we’d stumbled upon Fasching.
That’s what’s happening today in many parts of Germany the Carnival season, or Fasching began on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 11:11AM, November 11. There always seems to be some kind of festival going on in Germany and Fasching is such a great time of year that it’s often referred to as the “fifth season.” This festival season runs from today, 11 November, until Ash Wednesday, which begins the forty day Christian Lent period of sacrifice and prayer leading up to Easter.
Council of Fools
Different parts of Germany celebrate Fasching differently, some even refer to the season by a different name, but, certainly, some of the best places to enjoy the festivities are in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn or Mainz. Big costume parades, drinking and merriment abound. Often a Council of Fools takes “control” of the city to help spread more cheer. This opening day of the “fifth season” is a kickass experience.
Festival activities take a rest over the Christmas holiday period but slowly start again after the new year. In cities and towns Fasching’s peak begins the Thursday prior to Ash Wednesday, which can be anytime from early February to early March depending on the Easter date that year. This last week of Fasching is the carnival week with plenty of parades leading up to the ultimate events on the last Monday prior to Ash Wednesday, Rosenmontag. The Council of Fools are back. “Wild” women roam the streets cutting the tie off any man they 
encounter. Often times, these same women storm city hall to take control. The bars and streets are equally full. Everyone is happy, everyone is friendly. Amazingly, and this may be urban legend but I’ve heard it a number of times, nothing that occurs on this night can be used against a spouse in German divorce court. What a concept! If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Germany for the beginning of Fasching, 11 November, or the final days prior to Ash Wednesday, seek out the festivities. You will be richly rewarded in fun times and fun people.
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