The 55th season of Karneval is approaching fast! This season is a special Karneval milestone as the Anaheim Karnevalsgesellschaft (Mardi gras Group) is excited to celebrate 5 x 11 years of Karneval in Anaheim!
Why is this special? Germans consider this time "the Fifth Season" of the year, and it begins on November 11th, at 11:11AM. In this magic hour, the Narren (fools) are awakened for another season of carefree revelry. The number 11 is the fool's number and with that, it's the official Karneval number. Naturally, we celebrate milestones in increments of 11. So in a way, this year is our Diamond Anniversary.
Naturally, we're all fools during this season, so we all look a little silly too. The Elferrat (Council of Eleven) are the officials who come together to plan the events for the upcoming festivities. The official hats of the councils' members, fool's caps with little bells, set the standard for the events to come, as do the uniforms of the Prinzengarde, the prince's official guard of young ladies in short skirts, mock the formal Prussian guard with a lively floor show.
The Prinz and his Prinzessin represent the governing body presiding over the season. The highest honor is to be selected as Prinz of Karneval. All must obey his silly whims and fancy! The fun festivities reach their peak with celebrations that end on Ash Wednesday.
Karneval is a chance to have some crazy fun before the pious days of Lent. There are Costume Balls, Satire events, Silly performances, and of course plenty of opportunities to have a drink (or two) with friends!
So join the Anaheim Karnevalsgesellschaft and celebrate Karneval in Anaheim! And #PartyLikeAGerman!