Leslie Massey
Fasching, also known as Karneval or Fastnacht, is a vibrant Carnival celebration observed in Austria and other German-speaking countries. The festival, which dates back to Roman times, marks the period before Lent and is characterised by colourful parades, costumes, and festivities. In Austria, Fasching traditionally begins on Epiphany (January 6th) and continues until Ash Wednesday, with the most iconic celebrations occurring in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and on Shrove Tuesday. The season is a time for Austrians to indulge, celebrate, and connect with their cultural roots before the austerity of Lent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dates | Begins on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (November 11 at 11:11 am); ends on Carnival Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday |
| Alternative names | Karneval, Fastnacht, Fasnacht, Fasnet, Fasenacht, Fastelabend, Fastelavn, Vastenoavond |
| Main locations in Austria | Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Upper Austria (Ebensee, Mattighofen), Tyrol (Axamer, Thaur), Styria (Graz), Carinthia (Villach), and Burgenland |
| Activities | Parades, costume parties, processions, masked balls, street parties, satirical plays, speeches, and newspaper columns |
| Food | Krapfen (doughnuts filled with apricot jam and dusted with powdered sugar) |
| History | Mentioned in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival (early 13th century); originated in the cities of Mainz and Speyer and was established in Cologne by 1234 |
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What You'll Learn
- Fasching in Austria is a time of celebration, costumes, and parades
- It is a religious festival that dates back to Roman times
- Fasching is also known as Karneval and Fastnacht in German-speaking countries
- The festival starts on Epiphany (January 6) and ends on Ash Wednesday
- Austrians consume traditional treats like the Faschingskrapfen, a doughnut filled with apricot jam
Fasching in Austria is a time of celebration, costumes, and parades
Fasching, also known as Karneval or Fastnacht in German-speaking countries, is a vibrant Carnival celebration observed in Austria before Lent. The festival is a time of celebration, with Austrians consuming over 100 million doughnuts during this period. It is also characterised by colourful costumes and lively parades.
In Austria, Fasching festivities traditionally begin on Epiphany (January 6) and continue until Ash Wednesday, with the most iconic celebrations occurring from Shrove Saturday to Ash Wednesday. The main events take place on the final days of the Fasching season, with parades, costume parties, and processions marking these days. The season is a time of festivity, signalling the final opportunity to indulge before the austerity of Lent begins.
The carnival season in Austria is linked to various traditions and delicacies. One such delicacy is the "Viennese Faschingskrapfen", a doughnut filled with apricot jam and dusted with powdered sugar. The tradition of wearing costumes during Fasching dates back to ancient times when people donned special attire to honour the gods. Parades are also a significant part of the celebrations, with the Rose Monday parade being one of the most important.
The top locations to experience Fasching in Austria include Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Upper Austria (Ebensee, Mattighofen), Tyrol (Axamer, Thaur), Styria (Graz), Carinthia (Villach), and Burgenland. Each region has its unique customs and traditions, such as throwing glowing logs from hills on Carnival Sunday in Tyrol or the annual carnival race in Styria. The festival is also a time for comedic performances, with hilarious comedy shows and comical skits being a part of the celebrations.
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It is a religious festival that dates back to Roman times
Fasching, or Karneval, is a religious festival that has been celebrated in Austria and other German-speaking countries since at least the early 13th century. It is a Catholic Shrovetide carnival that takes place in the period between the Thursday before and Ash Wednesday. The festival is characterised by lively parades, costume parties, and processions.
The origins of Fasching are unclear, but it is mentioned in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival, which was written in the early 13th century. The festival originated in cities, most notably Mainz and Speyer, and was established in Cologne by 1234. It is traditionally a time of feasting and merrymaking before the start of Lent, a period of austerity. Fasching is also a time when the rules and order of daily life are subverted, with customs such as handing over the keys of the city to a council of fools or letting women rule.
The festival has its roots in ancient times when people wore special costumes to honour the gods. The wearing of costumes and the celebration of Carnival and Shrove Tuesday evolved from spiritual preparation for Ash Wednesday, marked by confessional rituals or forty-hour prayers. Over time, these practices evolved into the vibrant celebrations that take place today, including parades, costume parties, and processions.
The main events of Fasching take place on the final days of the season, with parades and celebrations occurring in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. The most iconic celebrations occur from Shrove Saturday to Ash Wednesday, with highlights including Faschingssonntag, Rosenmontag, and Faschingsdienstag (Mardi Gras). In Tyrol, carnival traditions are deeply rooted in local culture, with unique customs like throwing glowing logs from hills on Carnival Sunday.
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Fasching is also known as Karneval and Fastnacht in German-speaking countries
Fasching, also known as Karneval and Fastnacht in German-speaking countries, is a vibrant Carnival celebration held before Lent. The festival is marked by lively parades, costume parties, and processions. While the festivities officially begin on November 11 at 11:11 am, the major celebrations occur in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, with the peak events taking place on Faschingssonntag and Rosenmontag.
The name Fasching is used in Bavaria and Austria, while in other parts of Germany, such as Franconia and Baden-Württemberg, the festival is called Fas(t)nacht, Fassenacht, or Fasnet. In Switzerland, it is known as Fasnacht, and in Vorarlberg, it is celebrated as Fastnacht or Fasching. The different names reflect regional variations in the duration and activities of the carnival.
The tradition of Fasching/Karneval/Fastnacht dates back hundreds of years, rooted in Catholic and early Germanic traditions. It is a time when people let go of inhibitions and rules, with noisy parades, masked balls, and excessive behaviour. During this time, it is common to see people wearing costumes and masks, allowing them to mock authority figures and celebrate without fear of being identified.
The main events of Fasching take place in the final days of the season, with parades and celebrations in many towns and villages. In Tyrol, for example, unique customs include throwing glowing logs from hills on Carnival Sunday. The climax of Fasching is on Shrove Tuesday evening, with music and dancing continuing until the early hours of Ash Wednesday.
While Fasching is a time of merrymaking, it also has a historical significance. During the Middle Ages, people continued to celebrate Fasching despite the Church's frustration, as it was a time when the rules and order of daily life were subverted. Today, Fasching remains an important part of the cultural calendar in German-speaking countries, with each region putting its unique spin on the celebrations.
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The festival starts on Epiphany (January 6) and ends on Ash Wednesday
Fasching, also known as Karneval and Fastnacht in German-speaking countries, is a vibrant Carnival celebration typically held before Lent. In Austria, Fasching officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 am, but the festivities start on Epiphany (January 6) and continue until Ash Wednesday. The pre-Lenten carnival is a chance to indulge and celebrate before the austerity of the Lenten season.
The festival is marked by lively parades, costume parties, and processions. The most iconic celebrations occur in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, with highlights including Faschingssonntag, Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), and Faschingsdienstag (Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday). These final days of Fasching are considered the most active and important, with Austrians participating in various traditions and festivities.
The carnival season is an opportunity for people to break free from their regular routines and connect with friends, family, and their roots. It is a time to indulge in delicious treats, such as the traditional Viennese Faschingskrapfen, a doughnut filled with apricot jam and dusted with powdered sugar. The tradition of wearing costumes during Fasching dates back to ancient times when people donned special attire to honour the gods.
While the exact historical origins of Fasching are unclear, it is mentioned in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival (early 13th century) and was already established in Cologne by 1234. Fasching has evolved over the centuries, with different regions adopting unique customs and traditions. For example, in Tyrol, it is common to throw glowing logs from hills on Carnival Sunday, while in Styria, there is a long-standing tradition of participating in an annual carnival race.
Fasching officially ends on Ash Wednesday at midnight, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and a time of austerity and spiritual preparation for Easter Sunday.
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Austrians consume traditional treats like the Faschingskrapfen, a doughnut filled with apricot jam
Fasching, also known as Karneval and Fastnacht in German-speaking countries, is a vibrant Carnival celebration held before Lent. In Austria, Fasching festivities begin on Epiphany (6 January) and continue until Ash Wednesday. The season is marked by lively parades, costume parties, and processions.
During Fasching, Austrians consume traditional treats like the Faschingskrapfen, a type of doughnut filled with apricot jam. Also known as Berliner Doughnuts, these pastries are a popular treat during the carnival season. The name translates to "carnival doughnut", reflecting its traditional association with Fasching.
The Faschingskrapfen is characterised by its round, ball-like shape and a pale ring in the middle, which forms as the dough expands while frying. The dough is rich in egg yolks and butter, resulting in a fluffy, light, and airy texture. The outside is slightly crispy, while the inside is soft and fluffy.
In addition to the classic apricot jam filling, Faschingskrapfen can also be filled with various jams, vanilla cream, or even Nutella. The traditional recipe is topped with a dash of powdered sugar, while modern versions may be dunked in sugar glazing or chocolate. Austrians consume over 100 million of these treats during Fasching, making them a beloved part of the carnival celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Fasching in Austria starts on November 11 at 11:11 am and ends on Carnival Tuesday (Faschingsdienstag), the day before Ash Wednesday. The major celebrations, however, occur in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, with the peak events taking place on Faschingssonntag and Rosenmontag.
Fasching, also known as Karneval and Fastnacht in German-speaking countries, is a vibrant Carnival celebration held before Lent. The festival dates back to the pre-Roman era and was considered a time when people could be free and enjoy their lives.
Fasching is a time of festivity, signalling the final opportunity to indulge before the austerity of Lent begins. The season is marked by lively parades, costume parties, and processions. Traditional treats during Fasching include the Faschingskrapfen, a doughnut filled with apricot jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
