It is the Saturday evening before Ash Wednesday and masked groups from the Alt Neckar area are gathering in the village of Hirrlingen (Tübingen County) for the "Närrisches Wochenende" (foolish weekend). They will participate tomorrow in the big parade. The masks, uniformity of group and of movement betray their Swabian-Alemannic origin. The final foolish weekend is not only celebrated in the big cities. With torches and entertaining onlookers, they move towards the Fest tent for the "Brauchtumsfest" (folklore festival). Thomas Klinghammmer announces the Rottenburger Pompele in their beautifully carved masks.

In the tent, Fasnet groups entertain and introduce their local customs. The Felben with their Felbenköpf (symbolizing tree stumps) from the Kübelesmarkt, Bad Cannstatt are storming the stage. One of the oldest groups, the "Narrenzunft" (fools' guild) from Haigerloch with their bishops demonstrate an initiation ceremony. A group, originally from Siebenbürgen (Rumania) and now Ludwigsburg, show Reifenschwingen (swinging of hoops) with three wineglasses. Hirrlingen's Italian sister city has sent a delegation and their band entertains the crowd.

Sunday morning, after the Fools' Mass in church, at 11 a.m. there is a reception in the "Rathaus" (town hall) for the representatives of the various groups with food, drink and foolish talk. Outside, the groups are lining up for the big parade. The Hirrlinger "Fanfarenzug," followed by the Hirrlinger Butzen, lead the parade. Their wooden masks with an evergreen twig on top are easily recognized. Group after group is introduced by Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet specialist Werner Metzger as they pass by. Royalty and their court is followed by witches, bands are followed by masked groups. There are in all 1500 active participants.

In an interlude we are introduced to the long history of the Fasnet in Hirrlingen. Hirrlingen was settled in the 5th century by the Alemanns. Traditions remained alive up to WWII. Preparations for Fasnacht began at Candlemas (Feb. 2) when masked Butzen roamed the streets at night. They dropped in at the "Lichtstub'n" (a l arge room in a private home, where people sat together in the evening for knitting and chatting), there they were served a drink. Still practiced in 1930, the young men of the village collected apples from their special ladies. During WWII there was no Fasnet. Influences from the Rhineland introduced the Karneval Prince and Princess, but Hirrlingen decided to return to its own traditions. Masked children went from door to door to collect "Fasnachtsküchle." In 1962 the Butz and Butzenzuttel, with their very old masks, as well as the" Schlosshexe" (castle witch) were revived. When in 1977 the Schlosshexen became independent, the Butzen started a new group and now both groups of witches are roaming through the streets.

We are returning again to the parade, where Werner Metzger still announces the groups and comments on them. Especially the witches have their fun with the onlookers. Brining up the rear are the Hirrlinger Schlosshexen (Castle witches) with the "Brunnensprüher" (fountain sprinklers), followed by a small replica of the Hirrlinger Castle on wheels, seen against the backdrop of the real castle behind it.

This is video Order Nr. EB 6294. 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