Karneval Kicked (our) Ass!

Holy Cow. Or my new favorite saying Cheese and Rice! That was a party!!! 

We had a great spot in the parade's route

Karneval gobbled us up, took us on a wild ride, spit us out on the streets of the town and left us scratching our heads, leaving us feeling entertained, fired up, a little frightened but so glad we were there to witness it first hand. I will give it to them, the Germans really know how to throw a party.

And the parade killed! A three hour march of witches, monsters, unidentifiable creatures, bands, candy thrower, confetti stuffers and just plain old wild ass people. What a blur! Almost stimulation overload...almost. 

Kept saying this one looked like the hubs when he has had a few. One eye open and messy hair. Ha!

For those of us that weren't in the parade, costumes were still expected. I went as a cowgirl, because I pretty much had everything for the outfit. And the hubs went in his adult sized onesie (yes, he had one on hand) and a pirate hat. Strangely enough, he didn't even stand out!

The masks were creepy, but so cool to see up close. I can't even imagine how much money went into this ordeal. Every little town in the area has it's own theme and costume. They work all year getting together the necessary items to scare the begeebus out of people like me. 

Most groups were some kind of costume and mask. 

Creepy, but kinda lovable

Some groups play instruments. 

Green Day was the band's of choice songs this year. Weird, but good.

Some groups smash confetti in your face. Hard.

No mercy!

 Some groups put on mini shows and stunts, like this pole vaulting one. 

Impressive

And others are there to capture you and take you away. Think I am kidding?!? Chalk it up to one more thing that would never fly in the U.S.

Get man-handled much!?

I got picked up, spun around, thrown in a push cart with two other ladies, then the witches proceeded to rub my face with a glove (um, can you say germies!) for about a minute straight. I finally escaped. Only for it to happen to me a few more times that afternoon. Wow. Just wow. 

Great photos though, glad we got it on film!

I feel like I really can't find the right words to describe everything yesterday. There was just something in the air; a feeling of partying, community, and, oh yeah, drunkenness. Hahaha. But honestly, I don't know how you could handle all of this without a drink or two in you.

After the parade wrapped up around 1:00pm, everyone rushed to the nearest bar to continue the party. We didn't stay too late, but I am sure the celebration went on well into the night.

So, as I still recover, and try to piece together what really happened yesterday (not because of alcohol, but just because there was sooo much to take in), I am so happy we made it out to Karneval. And even happier it happens only once a year. 

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go pick out some more confetti from my hair :)