Please join us at our annual Fasching/Karneval Costume Party/Potluck on February 15!

Fasching, also known as Karneval, Fasnacht, Fastelabend, or the Fifth Season, is a pre-Lenten celebration observed mainly in the Catholic regions of German-speaking countries. Originally, revelers wore fright masks to scare away the evil spirits, but the costumes evolved over time from mainly scary ones into sweet and cute ones, from monsters to silly ones, and ended up being anything crazy, funny, or even taboo.

In short, Fasching is a time to get crazy! Anything goes! It’s a time to break the rules and make merry! We hope to see you there.

DATE: 1/15/2015 (Sunday), 4:30PM – 6:30PM 

LOCATION: Shorewood Hills Community Center, 901 Swarthmore Court, Madison, WI – UPSTAIRS

COSTUME PARADE: There will be a costume parade for all ages and best costume certificates, followed by jokes, skits, games, dancing, and merry-making! Adults and children alike are strongly encouraged to come in costume!

Any comical, funny Fasching skits or “Büttenrede” which you might want to perform yourself can be submitted to Iris Hengst (irishengst@charter.net).

COST: For families with students enrolled in the German School of Madison, there is no additional cost for this event.  For families not enrolled in the school, we request a $5 per family donation. Everyone will be asked to register at the entrance so we can assign numbers to the children for the costume parade and certificates.

POTLUCK: Each family is asked to bring a dish to share for our potluck (anything goes — casseroles, chilies, salads, breads, or desserts.) The school  will provide paperware and beverages. As always, you are encouraged to bring your own plates, cups, and cutlery to reduce waste.

Faschingsfest Coordinators Elisabeth Berkelman and Iris Hengst

Copyright pictures Ralph Grunewald