The Modern Organ in Waldkirch
Today we began with guided tour of the organ museum by Michael, chair of the twinning association in Waldkirch. To see the organs dating back 200 years gives a truely clear picture of the cultural differences of our two towns. Waldkirch people are all, young and old alike , really proud of their heritage and are ensuring the old traditions are not lost within modern day technology. The modern organ – built to commemorate this historic milestone – didn’t fail to impress everyone with modern jazz renditions proving the skills of the organ builders.
Next we went to the children’s parade in the town where we witnessed hundreds of biaze’s (jesters to you and me in the town colours of blue and yellow) skipping along, young and old alike with bands keeping them in time. It appeared that the whole town turned out to cheer, support and enjoy the spectacle. The Kandelhexan (local witches) also took aprt and tormented the crowds of parents and children with their playful ruffling of hair,
The Children's Parade
pinching of hats, covering you in straw or just high jumping with the aid of their broomsticks, getting everyone into the spirit which is Fasnet!
Once this was over the streets were once again turned over to the market stalls, beer tents and sausage sellers all preparing for another night of revellry by the drinkers.
I had an opportunity to speak to Silke about the street work she does, and although there is some work done during Fasnet this is minimal as she is only one worker (part time .75%) for the whole town of 11,000 residents. She has no powers to search or challenge young people and says this is pointless once they have become under the influence in any case. Prior to fasnet she does an awarness campaign with posters etc and these can be seen around the town. She also talks to bar and shop owners in the town asking that they are more vigilent when selling alcohol and to check ID (this is passports in Germany rather than anything else) However most young people are a little wise to this and either buy their alcohol in the weeks prior to fasnet or bring it into the town from the outlying areas where their ID is not necessarily checked as rigorously.
Traditional musicians of Elzach
We also talked about about possible partnership work with the police but his is proving difficult as the authorities are very punative by nature.
In the town hall in Elzach prior to the parade
Later that evening we were invited by the Mayor of Elzach to watch their parade from the town hall as his guests -Thankfully that meant we avoided the ‘playful’ antics of the Schuttig (local men dressed in red felt suits with headdresses of straw, snail shells and red pompoms and masks) who smack you with blown up pig or goat bladders hung from sticks – very wet, very slimy and VERY smelly!
An Elzach Schuttig
Afterwards we moved with the party to the house of a very old family of Elzach who have a view over the Place of Bears where the lighted torches used by the participants during the parade are burnt by the devil. There were in the region of 2,000 Schuttig – quite a sight to see.
We were made very welcome in the town and everyone wanted to talk to us, making it hard for us to leave until after midnight! Simon was very popular as Youth Mayor and even entertained the party by playing the piano with music he just happened to have in his pocket – wow! Charlotte was comfortable talking to lots of different people throughout the evening, something I have witnessed develop as the days progressed.
Well another day over and yet another busy day tomorrow! Time for bed!
