It's Fasnet weekend in Stuttgart-Bad Canstatt, put on by the Association of Swabian-Alemannic Fools' Guilds, every four years in a different location. 14,000 fools and 300,000 spectators have been participating now for two full days.

The highlight of the weekend is the big parade on Sunday, hosted by the "Kübelesmarkt" in Bad Canstatt. The hosts are leading the parade. In an horse-drawn buggy the mayor of Stuttgart is followed by the Felba Köpf (symbolizing tree stumps) from the Kübelesmarkt, Cannstatt. The Altweibermühle (Old Womens' Mill) demonstrates its purpose: "in old and out young." Group after group, interspersed with bands, follow one another. Witches are on the loose but members of other groups are also having fun with bystanders. The masks are typical for the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet.

Many other activities have been going on over the past two days. The Stockacher fools from Baden have put up the "Narrenbaum" (fools' tree) in front of the Canstatt Town Hall. It was not an easy task with all the foolish help.

The "Brauchtumsabend" (folklore evening) on Saturday is in full swing. Fasnet guilds entertain and introduce their local customs. The "Kläpperle" of the Ratoldi Zunft are performing. They are from Radolfzell and we are taken on an excursion to their home town and its history.

When the Prussians were occupying Radolfzell, Fasnet was forbidden. Xaver Deschle asked for and received special approval to look foolishly out of his window. Soon later he is marching down the street, window frame and all, surrounded by children with "Kläpperle." We meet the crazy couple, Father Fool and Mother Fool (portrayed by a man), mentioned for the first time in the founding document of 1841 of the Ratoldi Zunft. They are a taking us for a visit to the meeting/storage room/archives of the Narrizeller Ratoldi.

Udo Biller produces the wire mash masks, which are lighter and more comfortable than the old wooden masks. In his spare time he also paints some of the backdrops. Another historical figure is the "Sämann" (sower) who is throwing foolishness seeds into the streets - the Fasnet has begun in Radolfzell.

We are again in Cannstatt where the parade continues. Kristina Reichert is amazed that the paraders are so wide awake after the night of celebrations. The fog was artificial in the disco tent, but the fun and foolishness were not. In 35 pubs and in the streets celebrations had been going on all night. Some had bedded down in very primitive quarters for a very short night.

And the parade continues ....

This is video Order Nr. EB 31. For those interested in learning more about Fasnacht/Fasnet, "Treffpunkt," a German Television Series of SDR/SWF that broadcasts half hour programs on folklore subjects, made videos of several of these celebrations. All videos are in color, and in German, app. 30 minutes. Available from the
German Language Video Center
7625 Pendleton Pike
Indianapolis, IN 46226
317-547-1257; FAX 1+3175471263