Party like it’s 1399!

Celebrated by pre-Christians as a means of driving out winter and evil spirits and welcoming in the springtime—in part through the role reversal of masters and enslaved people—Karneval was later adopted by the church as a festive period to enjoy food, drink, and revelry before the fasting and penitence of Lent. Today, Karneval retains many of the traditions that began in the Middle Ages. It’s also known as Fasching or Fastnacht, depending on which part of Germany you’re in, and each carries different traditions. The Athenaeum celebration is modeled after Karneval in Köln, or Cologne, sister city to Indianapolis.

Join us on Saturday, March 1, 2025, for a blue-and-white party in the Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum. The night kicks off with an exclusive VIP Cocktail Hour from 7:11 PM to 8:11 PM, where $50 tickets include 2 drink tickets and German-inspired hors d’oeuvres. At 8:11 PM, the doors open for General Admission at $35, which includes 1 drink ticket, and students are welcome to join the fun for $25. Live music, jesters, and a lively crowd will keep the festivities going until 11:11 PM.

This is a 21+ event, so bring your dancing shoes, your best cocktail attire, and your festive spirit—Karneval is more than a party; it’s a season of celebration! Don’t miss your chance to revel in the traditions, laughter, and excitement of Karneval. Prost!

Our society strives to preserve the German traditions of celebrating Karneval, which is known in the U.S. as Mardi Gras. Through Germany, from Bavaria to Bremen, Karneval has many different names and traditions, but the theme of the holiday is consistent: It’s a time to forget about your everyday problems and enjoy life to its fullest. Karneval dates back to festivals celebrated by the Romans and ancient Egyptians. The Roman Catholic Church assimilated these celebrations into the Christian calendar as the last festival before Lent. All major festivities are held in Catholic areas worldwide. In Germany, the oldest surviving records about Karneval, dated March 5, 1341, are found in Köln.

 

During the Karneval season, Prinz Karneval is the rightful ruler of all and sovereign of joy. By his side are the Jungfrau and Bauer. The Jungfrau symbolizes Köln’s inaccessibility to enemy forces, who never managed to break through the city walls. The Bauer, a peasant, symbolizes the old free city’s ability to defend itself. Together, these three are better known as the Dreigestirn. The Karneval dancers, or Funkenmariechen, date back to the 1700s, when they were members of the military and would dance to entertain the soldiers. A look at Karneval today shows the traditions of centuries ago remain.

WHERE:
Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum
401 E. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
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WHEN:
March 1, 2025 at 8:11 PM