CARNIVAL PARADE
22.01.2017
Music. Dancing. Costumes. Crowds.
I had been looking forward to this parade before the the programme even started. I had never been to any kind of parade before and I was so excited that we would be able to witness one in Germany.
We took a train to the town which in itself was exciting. I sat right by the window and the sun was shining which made the snow look even more unreal as it glittered and I was able to see the Hohenzollern Castle in the distance.
We were well prepared beforehand and told to wear all the clothes we had which was not an exaggeration because it was FREEZING. Our tour guide Elizabeth told us all about the historical information at a previous lecture but actually seeing the parade and the costumes made me feel like I'd been transported back in time.
It was wonderful seeing the entire community come together for the parade. People of all ages participate in the parade from the tiny children dressed up and being pushed in strollers to the elderly citizens playing instruments. The fact that every state was represented and had their own emblem, dance and costume was astounding to me as so much work and effort was clearly put into every detail.
We were warned about the tricksters and it was not in vain. The masks were frightening at first - there were people dressed up as witches and demons and all kinds of animals. I watched as the witches jumped up behind people and scared them. I saw them fooling crowd members and "stealing" their hats and I watched people getting straw thrown into their hair. I laughed but that was probably because I wasn't a target.
I also enjoyed seeing the joyous spirit of the participants who did everything with enthusiasm. They ran and jumped and danced and handed out sweets and I simply fell in love with the way a whole town continued this tradition every single year. Every time a signal was given I found myself holding my breath as a group of people formed a pyramid but they executed it perfectly every time.
Even though we couldn't understand anything that was being said that didn't stop us from chanting along with shouts of HEXE or owl hoots. Despite the cold (and with the help of the hot food sold at the nearby stalls) we were able to really enjoy ourselves. I found myself dancing to the beat of the drums at any opportunity which also helped with the cold.
It was a truly special day and I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this tradition. Some of the people in the parade were even kind enough to take pictures with us which we really appreciated.
All in all it was a joyous day straight out of the pages from the countless books I've read and one I won't soon forget.
AZRAA DHABELIA
