Fasching is the German version of Mardi Gras or Carnival. It is a big deal around here. The weekend before last we took all of the kids to Regensburg to pick out costumes. In Germany, Fasching for the children is similar to Halloween. The kids wear costumes and collect candy at different events. Maggie and Cadel had a huge Fasching party last Thursday at their Kindergarten. They wore their costumes, played games and even had a disco in the gym. It was so much fun that the next day at school was Pajama day so all the kids (and teachers) could rest and recover from all the fun. Although PJ day really sounded like an extension of the Fasching party because they spent most of that day playing games as well.
This past Sunday was the big Fasching parade in our little town. It is the only parade in the area so people drive in from all the other little villages. We were going to have a big party at our house before but the pink-eye cancelled that. Pat and some of his team members from work were in the parade throwing out candy (for the kids) and mini schnapps shots (for the adults). Maggie and Cadel went with Pat to the party and parade start. Gus, Cormac and I went to the parade route and found a good spot. All the kids were dressed up and ready to go. Gus was a cowboy. Cormac was a ninja. Cadel was a Polizist (German police officer--his coat even said Polizei on the back). Maggie went as Queen Elsa.
Before the parade.
Waiting to see what's coming next in the parade.
Grapes!
After the parade. Maggie and Cadel lasted for a little while in the parade with Pat until their legs got tired (and they saw us) so they came with us while Pat finished the parade up to the castle. It was a good parade again this year and the kids came home with buckets of candy.
