Karnival

What

Karnival

When

2/6/2027, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where

German School BISC

Karneval at the German School of Charlotte!

Saturday, February 6, 2027 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Helau! Alaaf! Die Narren sind los!

Put on your funniest costume, grab your Narrenkappe, and join us at the German School of Charlotte as we celebrate one of Germany’s most colorful and wonderfully silly traditions — Karneval!

Karneval is a time when children and adults alike are encouraged to dress up, laugh, dance, sing, be a little foolish, and simply have fun together. And that is exactly what we plan to do at DSC!

Karneval, Fastnacht or Fasching?

Depending on where your family comes from in Germany, you may know the celebration by a different name.

In the Rhineland, particularly around Köln, Bonn, Aachen and Düsseldorf, it is usually called Karneval. In southern Germany and Austria, you will often hear Fasching, while Fastnacht, Fasnacht or Fasnet is common in southwestern Germany, Switzerland and other Alemannic regions.

Different names, different local customs — but they are all part of the same wonderful season of celebration before Lent.

And there is some fascinating history hidden in those names!

The word Karneval is commonly associated with the medieval Latin carne levare — essentially, “taking away the meat.” Before the traditional Lenten fast began, people celebrated and enjoyed foods that would soon be restricted.

Fastnacht referred to the night or eve before the fasting period began. The related word Fasching has been traced to the medieval vastschanc or Fastenschank — the festive serving of drink before the fasting season.

So, in true German fashion, we managed to create several different words for essentially the same celebration — and then gave every region its own traditions, costumes, foods, songs and favorite Karneval call!

Bringing the “Fifth Season” to Charlotte

Karneval is often affectionately called Germany’s fifth season. It is a time for costumes, music, dancing, laughter and a healthy dose of German Quatsch und Unsinn!

At DSC, celebrating Karneval gives our children another opportunity to do more than simply learn the German language — they get to experience German culture.

So, Kinder und Eltern, come dressed up and ready to celebrate!

Princesses and princes
Clowns and *Narren*
Superheroes
Animals
Witches and wizards
…or whatever your imagination can dream up!

Costumes are highly encouraged — for the children AND the grown-ups!

Come laugh, celebrate and help us pass another piece of German culture and tradition on to the next generation.

German School of Charlotte
Saturday, February 6, 2027
11:30 AM–12:30 PM

HELAU! ALAAF!

Wir freuen uns auf euch — und auf eine richtig närrische Zeit!