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 slaves — it 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. We’ll tell you all about our festivities and how you can join us. Starting on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 minutes after the 11th hour, Karneval is a whole season — not just one night.