The Fasching Street Parties of Munich
The annual carnival in Germany is as traditional as it is celebrated, with several cities in the country taking it upon them to throw unforgettable events and street parties, with Munich no exception.
Copyright Astrid Götze-Happe / pixelio.de
The joyous burst of celebration called Carnival in most parts of the world is referred to as Fasching in Munich, Germany.
Fasching officially begins with the coronation of a carnival prince and princess on the 11th day of the 11th month (November) at 11.11 a.m., witnessing its craziest season in the weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the final day of celebrations.
With gala balls, parades, fancy dress gatherings, open-air parties, music and dance, Fasching is one of Munich's most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Some of the most popular street events that take place during the Fasching period and that you can attend are:
The Carnival Parade of Elamite Ritter
(Damische Ritter)
The streets come to life with colourful floats parading through the city as synchronised groups of dancers entertain the onlookers. There is music in the air and a festive mood that lightens up the city centre as people show off their costumes and creations.
If you're not in costume you'll probably be the only odd person sticking out in a sea of vivid masks, fancy feathers, painted faces, and more! Munich's own Horror-Shop.com stock all items needed for you to enjoy the Fasching celebrations to the fullest, and with shops on Mullerstrasse and in Landsham, you don't have far to travel when you're in the city.
Children's Carnival
Copyright Gaby Kempf / pixelio.de
Munich's Fasching also caters to children by organising separate alcohol-free events aimed at the next generation of Münchners.
Filled with music, games, candy and costumes, children get to enjoy their own kind of fun. There are various sorts of fun activities, as well as entertainers and competitions to keep your tiny tots busy for hours.
Munich Narrisch
Downtown Munich transforms into a large open-air party zone and people are definitely in the mood to let their hair down and paint the city all colours of the rainbow. There are a wide variety of music and dance performances including DJs, live bands and show acts. From, Stachus to Viktualienmarkt, it is three days of fun, fun, fun!
Dance of the Market Women
The Dance of the Market Women at Viktualienmarket is probably the most famous event of the Munich Fasching. It is opened by the Prince and Princess of the carnival with a beautiful carnival dance.
The market women, who run food stalls throughout the year, dress up in beautiful costumes and put on an amazing performance for everyone. The event takes place on Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the spectacular carnival season and is followed by a large party with music and wine till late afternoon.
The Munich Carnival is definitely a unique experience and one that should be on your list of things-to-do when visiting the city at this time of year.
