German School of Monmouth County Host Free Karneval Celebration, February 27; Students in costumes parade and receive sweet treats

Call it Fasching, Karneval, Fasnacht or Mardi Gras, at this time of year children and adults in parts of Germany, Switzerland and Austria put on their costumes, line the streets for parades, and are showered with candy while shouting “Helau” or “Alaaf” or singing songs. Join the German School of Monmouth County for a Karneval celebration on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 5:00 to 6:15 pm.

Just as a high school marching band in uniform with epaulettes performs for a crowd, the “Funkenmariechen” girls, dressed in red and white skirt uniforms, will perform traditional dances. The school principal will announce this year’s Prince and Princess who “rule” their “subjects” back home for the duration of the Karneval season.   Parents will provide treats that can include traditional Krapfen, similar to doughnuts.

Historically, cities throughout Germany, portions of Austria, and Switzerland celebrate Karneval, though each region has its own interpretations.  Often local guilds or carnival clubs perform dance, comedy skits and participate in street parades immediately prior to or on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), which precedes Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. In some regions Karneval represents good and evil with costumed attendees wearing happy and angry masks to signify the happiness of the approaching spring and/or to ward off the dark, evil spirits of winter. For children, Karneval often means a day off from school, participation in the carnival celebrations and receiving sweets.

“We host an annual Karneval in keeping with our mission to share our cultural heritage with students and the community at large,” notes Principal Michaela Greco.

For more information about this event and activities of the German School of Monmouth County, visit us online:  www.germanschoolmc.org, like us on Face book and follow us @GermanSchoolMC.