By the time we parked our car, we saw a big cat, pirates, minions, fairy characters, and even witches either parking their cars or stepping out and adjusting their costumes. That’s when we knew the evening was going to be joyful.
We tucked our toddler into her stroller, secured her safely with the belt, and hurried to find the best possible spot to watch the Fasching parade. People were already assembling according to their assigned numbers, including a chariot pulled by two handsome horses.
I couldn’t contain my joy watching everyone in their creative costumes. My little girl began tugging at her stroller belt, eager to walk on the road and be part of all the fun happening around her.
When the parade began — bright costumes, loud music, people cheering, children collecting sweets — it was a burst of colour in the middle of winter. My little girl, who had been quietly watching from her father’s arms until then, wiggled to get down and collect the sweets herself. And fortunately, the sun was in our favour as we witnessed the carnival.
It felt like the whole town had collectively decided:“Let’s not be serious today.”
It was so much fun. Not even for a second did it feel too loud or wild. People were incredibly creative, every costume telling its own story. Some families dressed up as characters from movies like The Hobbit, Harry Potter, and the Minions — a beautiful reflection of community spirit. Twenty-two schools participated in the Fasching parade, and each one was unique in its own way.
Fasching carries historical significance. The loud music, colourful costumes, and joyful energy symbolically chase away the gloomy winter and warmly welcome the spring. It is also a celebration before the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter — a cheerful beginning before the reflective and quieter days ahead. Historically, Carnival allowed ordinary people to mock rulers, temporarily reverse social hierarchies, and express criticism through humour and satire. For a few days, everyone becomes equal in costume.
Overall, it was a joyful Sunday with our toddler. This year, we were a little late in finding the perfect costume for our little one. But next year, we won’t just watch the parade — we’ll walk into it, dressed in our own colours, carrying this joy forward.
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Chai and Chatter Chronicles 