0
0
Below are what this humble foreigner deems to be the most noteworthy costumes and groups in Karneval 2014’s Faschingsumzug. They are in no particular order and are not necessarily the best or most beautiful, but definitely caught my eye for one reason or another…
JAMAICAN BOBSLED TEAM
This was a noteworthy group for more than one reason. Their creativity was fantastic: their “bobsled” was on wheels, so they’d back up the parade every so often, then run the bobsled and release it. The other quite noteworthy aspect of the costume came from a sociological perspective: the blackface on group members. It is not uncommon to see blackface or ethnic costumes* during Fasching.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The most impressive thing about this group was the quality of their costumes. You have to understand, people hand make their costumes and floats, top to bottom. It’s a matter of pride. The older folks on the sidelines will mention it a few times: that they used to have a group, for many years, and you don’t buy costumes–oh no–you make your costumes by hand, it takes all year, and it’s hard work! I thought the Beauty and the Beast costumes were quality.
CREEPY, NIGHTMARISH EYES
Seriously, I can’t believe I didn’t see these eyes in my sleep.
BEAUTIFULLY DONE EYES WITH GLASSES, EVEN THOUGH I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE
GHOSTBUSTERS
Okay, best pop culture group of all time. And it was unintentionally, unfortunately timely. This is one of the best things to ever just roll past my house.
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AND THE BIG BAD WOLF
Because they reversed gender, that’s why. Men in skirts: always awesome.
STEAM PUNK!
So creative.
THESE THINGS
Because they’re well done and they just look Karneval. Do you think they’ll sell me one?
THESE ELEPHANT TRUNKS
For obvious reasons.
OBAMA
And lest I forget that this year we had political representation: Dieburg moons Obama for pretty much the same thing America is upset about, although there are some added tensions going on here. Regardless, here’s a butt in Obama’s face. It’s for sure not the awesomeness of Ghostbusters heading past the house, but you’ve got to respect that in Europe they have more cojones with their political statements.
ON THE SIDELINES:
This wasn’t a parade participant, but I was so impressed with the costume that one of the spectators wore. It was a full, hand-knitted clown costume. It was unbelievable, and I was: jealous.
*FINAL NOTES ABOUT ETHNIC COSTUMES
During Karneval season, you’ll see costumes of American Indians more than any other ethnicity, I’ve noticed. There are a lot of cowboy and Indian costumes available (of many tribal styles). Also, costumes depict native African tribes and far East cultures. Pretty much anything is fair game.
Here are a few more examples of the kinds of costumes you’ll see both in the parades and walking around town during the week. I’ve done some thinking about this, but still haven’t come up with enough of a conclusion that I’m ready enough to publish my thoughts on it.
Some costumes from this year:
