Groundhog

A special day as both my son and son-in-law share the same birth date. A couple of weeks ago they were together in Ireland but perhaps luckily today, not. I hate to think what the two of them would have got up to on a Saturday night!

The photo was taken in the centre of Ottobeuren in a covered archway outside the Hotel Hirsch where a Carnival Ball was taking place. These guys were almost certainly part of a Male Dancing Group that performed to the guests. They were having a quick puff and beer. As Luna and I strolled on the market place, we saw several young ladies with bags seemingly holding costumes being offloaded. They were almost certainly part of the "normal" dancing group that one sees at every carnival ball in Germany at this time of year.

"Karneval" or as it is better known in Bavaria "Fasching" is huge along the Rhine areas of Mainz, Cologne and Düsseldorf. In Bavaria, it is more popular in the northern Franconia area around Nüremberg and there is a comparatively small nest in our local city, Memmingen.

For German and Bavarian TV, the big carnival balls are a major event as they are almost all with strong political connections and where the politicians are expected to attend and have countless jokes made about them. The new Bavarian President is very well known for his and his wife's spectacular costumes and makeup. Homer Simpson, Kiss, Marilyn Monroe, A Punk and lots more over the years. Last year when he was Finance Minister, he came as the last Prince Regent of Bavaria (died 1912)and within a few weeks he was President! (Compare the two links)

Almost more important in Bavaria for politicians image, is being at the "Strong Beer Opening" which happens when Carnival ends and we are into Lent and fasting. Here they really get everything thrown at them. A few years ago the longtime head of the Bavarian State Parliament and very popular especially as she always took part in the Carnival balls was very upset at what was said and announced she would not be attending the event anymore. At the next elections last October, she lost her seat to her amazement and has hung up her political hat.

I had actually had difficulty to find anywhere to park in Ottobeuren at 8:00 pm, even the Basilica carpark was packed and cars waiting in hope. Not made easier at the moment as much of the street parking is not possible as any spare space is full of huge mounds of snow.

We had a short walk as it was very cold or at least felt it even though only hovering at 0°C. There is moisture in the air and that must be making it feel cold. On our walk through the centre with all the lovely smells for Luna, we barely saw a person and even the great Kebab takeaway was closing up, with the owner outside having a quick closing puff - we had a quick exchange of greetings as he was deep in conversation with someone. No more Kebab left, so went home hungry.