Subscribe
The Mainzer Stadtmusikanten (Mainz city musicians) perform in front of the Elferrat — the “foolish commitee” — standing on a stage behind them. The committee is in charge of planning the activities for the “fools session,” part of the carnival celebration in the Mainz suburb of Finthen, Germany.

The Mainzer Stadtmusikanten (Mainz city musicians) perform in front of the Elferrat — the “foolish commitee” — standing on a stage behind them. The committee is in charge of planning the activities for the “fools session,” part of the carnival celebration in the Mainz suburb of Finthen, Germany. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)

The Mainzer Stadtmusikanten (Mainz city musicians) perform in front of the Elferrat — the “foolish commitee” — standing on a stage behind them. The committee is in charge of planning the activities for the “fools session,” part of the carnival celebration in the Mainz suburb of Finthen, Germany.

The Mainzer Stadtmusikanten (Mainz city musicians) perform in front of the Elferrat — the “foolish commitee” — standing on a stage behind them. The committee is in charge of planning the activities for the “fools session,” part of the carnival celebration in the Mainz suburb of Finthen, Germany. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)

Klaus Schreiber leads the Mainzer Hofsânger in its final act of the “fools session.”

Klaus Schreiber leads the Mainzer Hofsânger in its final act of the “fools session.” (Peter Jaeger / S&S)

Andreas Scherning of the Mainzer Stadtmusikanten responds to the crowd with a thundering “Hellau.”

Andreas Scherning of the Mainzer Stadtmusikanten responds to the crowd with a thundering “Hellau.” (Peter Jaeger / S&S)

The grand finale of the evening brings everyone on stage for one final “Helau.”

The grand finale of the evening brings everyone on stage for one final “Helau.” (Peter Jaeger / S&S)

Helau! Helau! Helau!

An enthusiastic crowd roars the traditional Mainz Fastnacht greeting to a speaker at a local “fools session” — part of the carnival celebration in the Mainz suburb of Finthen, Germany.

It is one of the main events in the city’s annual Fastnacht festivities, which culminate with the big parade on Monday.

A Narrensitzung, or fools session, is a spectacle staged before a drinking, singing and mostly costumed crowd. The session is a colorful mix of jokes, humor and political satire, performed at a rapid pace by individual speakers or groups, and interspersed with musical numbers and dance routines by beautiful women. (See Pages 28-29.)

It is a feast of the senses and, as with the Maskenbälle (masked dancing balls) and the big Rose Monday parade, there is no need to understand German to enjoy the atmosphere. Sure, you might miss the speeches, but your friendly table mates — everyone is friendly during carnival — will kindly help you understand some of the gags and jokes.

Similar events are held in many German towns, mostly on weekends before Ash Wednesday. The final one for the Mainzer Narren Club is this Saturday. Schedules for the various sessions are published in local newspapers, printed on street posters and listed on the Internet. Put the words “Fastnacht Sitzungen” and the name of your town in Google — and get ready for the fun.

Helau!

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now