Fasnet in Calw

The Swabian-Alemannic carnival It is celebrated every year around the seventh weekend before Easter in numerous communities in Baden-Württemberg. Embedded in the larger context of historical carnival customs across Europe, the southwestern German carnival, in its dialect, “Fasnet”, with its rich heritage and diverse forms, actively cultivated by broad sections of the population. 1. Calwer Narrenzunft 04 eV maintains this custom. Whether as the originator of the Calwer night parade, organizers of the Town Hall Criticism in Calw or dusting the house on the CalwThey bring the carnival traditions to the marketplace. CalwHe brings citizens – but also all other interested parties – closer.

Documented since the 13th century as a threshold festival on the eve of Easter Lent, the "Fast Night" was initially a simple feast of eating and drinking to consume the foodstuffs that had been subjected to Lent. Over time, more and more forms of socializing, such as music, dance, and theatrical-mimetic elements, were added.

The total disguise and masking of the participants eventually became a defining characteristic of the festivals, a feature that continues to shape Fasnet to this day. The strict customs, in which the jester gradually emerged as the central figure, thrive on the ingenuity and creative potential of regional folk art. The wood-carved masks, in particular , are of exceptional quality. The oldest are up to 250 years old. The same is true for the hand-painted costumes and props of numerous characters.

The temporal starting point in Calw forms that dusting the house and the Fool's Baptism On Epiphany (January 6th), the fools take out their masks and symbolically dust them off in preparation for the upcoming carnival season. New members are also welcomed into the ranks of the active participants with fun games and tasks. After passing a test, they receive their mask, while the event is accompanied by Guggenmusik (a type of brass band music).

During the "Rathausschelte" (town hall reprimand) on February 11th , the revelers, accompanied by a brass band, parade through Lederstraße to the market square. The mayor is taken from the town hall and given a dressing-down for his deeds and misdeeds.

The first main day is the "Dirty Thursday" Three days before Shrove Sunday. The festivities reach their peak on Shrove Monday with spectacular parades. Calw will take place on Rose Monday at Night parade to the madcap cauldron of revelry with carnival guilds from all over the southwest.

At 6:61 p.m., the parade of colorful and eerie costumed revelers begins its journey through the historic half-timbered town. During the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet (carnival), revelers and spectators alike are treated to lively Guggenmusik (carnival music). The festivities continue late into the evening with music, shows, and traditional dances. Join the fun and shout: "Calweri Calwero!"

Photos: Daniel Steinrode