Carnival, carnival, carnival - culture or imposition?

Is the carnival deeply rooted customs and an integral part of our culture or rather an imposition for the human custom and decency?

Carnival - an annual spectacle that divides the minds. While some enthusiastically slip into colorful costumes and celebrate exuberantly, others feel the carnival as an imposition.

But is carnival really just a superficial event or is there more? Is it actually possible that the carnival is part of our culture?

Origin and rooted tradition

If you look at the origin of the carnival, it quickly becomes clear that this custom is deeply rooted and has a long tradition. Festures in ancient Rome in honor of the God Saturna .

the Middle Ages, too, the carnival was an integral part of the annual calendar and served as a valve for the population to recover from the hardships of everyday life.

But not only historically, the carnival can be regarded as a cultural phenomenon. It also forms an important platform for local customs and traditions as well as for the promotion of regional identities .

In many regions of Germany, very special carnival skes have developed rituals for centuries: be it the Rhenish Fastelovend with its magnificent parades or traditional soring at the Munich Oktoberfest.

In addition, the carnival offers space for artistic expression and individual development options. People of all ages can let their imagination run wild and slip into different roles - be it as a clown, princess or superhero.

This is a valuable experience in particular for children to discover and live out their creativity.

Superficiality, commercialization and drunkenness

Of course there are also critical voices that consider the carnival to be superficial and commercialized. They complain about excessive alcohol consumption and the behavior of some celebrations, which is often shaped by ruthlessness. But you should not forget that these negative aspects are not necessarily connected to the actual character of the carnival.

Carnival can be much more than just an imposition - it can contribute to the promotion of the community and bring together people of different social classes. The joint joy of celebrating combines people on a very special level and creates moments of relaxation and happiness in our hectic society.

Managing Director of the German Cultural Council breaks Lance for the carnival

In his cultural issue, the managing director of the German Cultural Council, Olaf Zimmermann , also dealt with the carnival. Despite his non-carnivalist attitude, he defends the cultural asset of carnival:

Culture or imposition? Carnival, Carnival, Fasnet, Fassnacht, Fastabend, Fasteleer, Fastelovend, Fastnacht - Carnival is exquisite cultural asset. "

The complete press release and links to its cultural policy specifications can be found here: Rose Monday: Is Carnival Culture or imposition? .