Festivals of the world : Fasching

 

Fasching and Karneval are traditional celebrations in German-speaking countries. This fun-filled festival includes fun parades and carnivals. Hundreds of people gather around the streets to watch the parade. There are elaborate and extravagant floats. The marchers and enthusiastic people wear bright and colorful costumes to the carnival. The most popular costumes are clowns, witches, animals, and wizards. The carnival has game stalls. Food and drinks stalls serve traditional german food like “ FaschingsKrapfen”, a German doughnut filled with jam jelly, bratwurst, pretzel, and Gluhwein.

Fasching has been celebrated in February since the Middle ages. It has a religious significance to it. Today in most countries, it is celebrated for fun and enjoyment.

Three kings Day

 

On the 6th of January, many European countries celebrate Épiphanie, also known as Three Kings Day. Épiphanie is celebrated after the 12th day of Christmas on January 6th. It is the day when three wise men visited baby Jesus and brought him gifts. The gifts included gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Three kings’ cake is made to honor them.

The three kings cake is known by different names in European countries. In France, the delicious ‘Galettes des Rois’ is a tart made of puff pastry and almond cream filling. In Switzerland, sweet and fluffy “Dreikönigskuchen” is made with puff pastry, fruits, and raisins. In Spain, a doughnut-shaped “Roscón de Reyes” is baked with crystallized sugar.

A small lucky porcelain charm is baked inside the tart. A gold paper crown is placed over it. Whoever finds the lucky charm gets to wear the crown and be the king or queen of the day.

Illustration and text by Purnima.