Subject areas of Fastnacht
Concept and text: Prof. Dr. Werner Mezger
Technical management: Prof. Dr. Ullrich Dittler
Media design: Jan Brunnenkant, Artur Fuss
Consultation: Saray Paredes Zavala M.A.
Fastnacht (Carnival) is a time when things are a little different. What is it that fascinates us about the foolishness? And what emotions, feelings and experiences do we associate with Fastnacht?
Fastnacht inspires so many people every year. What makes this festival so special, what are its variations and how widespread are Fastnacht customs?
There is a lot of speculation about the origin of Fastnacht. Where do its roots actually lie, what was its development, and how did it become what it is today?
Fastnacht falls on a different date every year. What are the timeframes, and why can Fastnacht vary by more than a month in the calendar?
It’s often said that on Fastnacht, the devil is on the loose. Why was the oldest Fastnacht mask figure really the devil, and why was it that the fools later supplanted him?
There seems to be no greater contrast than the fool and death. But why is the fool figure closely related to death, and what does this have to do with Fastnacht?
The distinguishing features of the jesters early on were marottes, mirrors and bells. Where do these symbols – still often seen during Fastnacht – come from, and what do they mean?
Jester soon also wore donkey ears, rooster feathers, fox tails and pig bladders. How did this come about, and what is the meaning of these animal attributes – some of which are still common to this day?
Fastnacht represents the opposite of Lent. How are the two related, and what did the complex interplay between them inspire great artists such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder to do?
No one has depicted the battle between Fastnacht and Lent more brilliantly than Pieter Bruegel the Elder in 1559. Take a journey through his work, brought to life like never before.
In 1528, a unique work of art was created to honor the urban carnival of the 16th century. Take an exploratory journey through this foolish universe.
The tradition of Fastnacht in southern Germany in particular has a wealth of figures. What is the significance of the main types, and what role do they play?
Fastnacht comes alive with music and movement. How are Fastnacht and dance connected historically, and what changes did music-making experience in the process?
A special feature of the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht are the painted fools’ garments. Where does this art come from, and why is it much more than just ornament?
Fastnacht has a great wealth of spectacular customs and rituals. What lies behind it, and why are most of them more than just jokes?
The Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht and the Rhenish Karneval are two different forms of one celebration. What do they have in common, and how did the differences come about?
Fastnacht festivities are not just a chaotic free space – they follow strict rules. How is Fastnacht actually organised, and who is responsible for it?
Whether Fastnacht can actually take place is decided on an annual basis. When and why have there been cancellations, and how did the 2021 corona lockdown spur creativity among the Fastnacht faithful?
The days of carnival are European cultural heritage. Here you can browse for yourself and in many cases also see in videos: Who celebrates carnival in Europe, where and how?