Is this a 'gaggle' of witches?
Well we had another very full day, a trip to Frieburg to do some shopping (Swiss chocolate!) and a look around the very old city. The markets are wonderful places with strange smells and wierd looking vegetables and meats. There were lots of people dressed up even here, and music playing by bands etc on nearly every corner or in every plaza. Such a carnival mood everywhere.
Jumping the fires - not to be recommended
When we got back we had to get ready for the Sabaat in the town and there was lots of fun trying and showing off our costumes. As you can see from the pictures fun was had by all and any thoughts that we
Flying across the square...
might look rather silly were very soon dispelled!
Royalty? No just us participating
It was another night of drinking and partying for all, and again the young people took over the town by 9pm. Another clean up operation would have to begin before the roads could be opened. Simon and Charlotte are to ask their new friends about the work which is done prior to Fasnet and I am to speak to the Youth Workers about their perceptions and outcomes of the work they do. The first aid room was busy by 10pm tonight, maybe there is a compounding effect on the body when you drink long and hard for days at a time?… Something for me to look into.
I am very tired now and so will continue this post sometime tomorrow although we have yet another very full day with a visit to see the Waldkirch organ and on to Eltzal town to see their Sabaat which means we will be dressing up yet again…. Normal clothes will never be normal again!
With one of the witches
Sounds like you are having very full days sight seeing, what learning have you had about the difference in culture and what work are you doing with the host group in terms of planning for October visit ?
Fastnet, what are the origins of the festival are they based in a religion?
Maralyn
Last night we saw the witches!! We had heard so much about them, Simon and I were both very excited!.
We arrived, wearing our costumes. At first I felt slightly awkward and overdressed, but after awhile I relaxed and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. Everybody commented on my Queens outfit saying things like ‘Oh your majesty’ and ‘its a real princess’. Simon was dressed as a young English gentleman, everybody commented saying he looked like Prince William.
When we first arrived we were a few of the only extravagantly dressed people, but soon after EVERYONE was dressed up.
We both thought that if nobody had dressed up it wouldn’t have been as enjoyable, as your costumes are real conversation starters and makes the people become a large group of friends. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and looking at all the locals costumes, the group of young girls dressed as a black forest gateau was our personal favourite.
We both felt very special as we weren’t stood with the public where viewing was limited, we were on a balcony directly in front of the show we had the best seat in the house, so to speak!.
It was a great turnout as everybody came and looked as if they were having a great time. Both of us will never forget the great party atmosphere.
Charlotte and Simon
Fasnet came was originally the party before Lent. But then other traditions and Pagen Celebrations blended and made the Fasnet we see today. The Pagen influences brought the witches and the curses, the belief of that what they do will effect the weather… if the spring comes or the winter continues.
Apparently nearly every time this takes place, the snow always carries on for a bit longer after the festival – so in a way Fasnet didn’t quite work, however it is good to keep the tradition alive.
Simon.
Thanks for posting the pictures, they really give a flavour of what you’re up to. How are the planning discussions going with your partners? I see you’ve set up some facebook groups, is there anything that you could maybe do through blogging to plan together? Perhaps using the blog specifically for designing some of the programme together? Or continuing to share information about how the youth council works etc?
It sounds like you’re continuing to be busy however do keep up the posts, it’s good to hear how it’s all going.
Hilary