The Blecker, symbol of the town, is very much a part of the celebration in Buchen. Kissing the Blecker brings good luck. It is "Fastnacht" in Buchen in Badish Frankonia in the Odenwald. Groups have come from the whole area to participate in the Fastnacht Sunday Parade. The traditional "Narrengericht" (fools court) was held in the early afternoon about items which have not been given sufficient hearing in the past year, and the whole court is a part of the parade. The parade took place at 11 and we now see the highlights, interspersed with interviews.

The narrator inquires about one group in the parade, wearing masks in the Swabian-Alemannic tradition, while the other masqueraders are without them. Kurt Hemberger, the honorary chair of the event, explains that this group is here upon special invitation by the Narrenring Main-Neckar. In the Franconian tradition faces are painted, at best blackened with soot or whitened with flour. We return to the parade--groups of fools and dressed with animal costumes are prevalent. There are 70 "lustige Vögel" (cheerful birds), and there are cats, foxes, toads, straw bears and many bands.

At Fastnacht "Schmutzessen" is served, called so because it involves deep-fried foods, rich in oils, such as "Kuechle," a type of donut, but not identitical with the American donuts. They exist in many variations throughout the areas were carnival is celebrated.

Kurt Hemberger explains that to host a "Narrentreffen" (fools' gathering) is a great honor, however, it is also much work, involves considerable cost and requires a strong organization and much dedication.

There is a clip explaining the history of the "Blecker." It can be seen in many forms and variations on buildings throughout the town and appears on many old documents. In 1931 the Blecker Society was founded.

Also here by special invitation is a group from Tenerife, Canary Islands. They are reciprocating a visit of the Buchener in Tenerife. We see a clip of the visit of 135 "Huddelbetz" in their heavy winter costumes frolicking in the Tenerife Carnival, among and with scantly clad spectators. Mayor Frank of Buchen was impressed by the reception and proud of the Huddelbetz and how they held up the whole week in the very warm climate.

Documentation about Buchen's celebration goes back to 1447 when the town was given permission by the Prince-Bishop of Mainz to celebrate Fastnacht. The masqueraders got in trouble several times. In 1839 they were temporarily suspended. In 1867 the mayor announced that indecent and vulgar types of masks were not allowed. In recent years the church had objections which were worked out.

The Huddelbetz costume consists of pants, a shirt, a pointed fool's hat, white collar and a switch. "Hudde"l are "Flecken," little bits of material which are sewn together for the costumes. In poorer times these were made of old pieces of clothing, that could not longer be worn. An adult costume requires app. 2000 pieces. The word "Huddelbetz" refers to the costume as well as to the person in it. After Epiphany (Three Kings) sewing and preparations go into high gear.

At the end of the parade over 2000 Huddelbetz march by, singing the "Buchener National Anthem," "Kerl wach uff ...." (Buddy wake up ...).

This is video Order Nr. EB 25. 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