Year-round frolic: Fools have consistently scheduled events - Year-round Characters: Always Booked, Even Beyond Carnival Season
Fools' Antics Year-Round in Saxony-Anhalt: Carnivalists Keep the Merriment Alive
While the traditional Carnival season spans from November 11th to Ash Wednesday, carnivalists in Saxony-Anhalt remain busily engaged beyond this period. Dirk Vater, president of the Saxony-Anhalt Carnival State Association, explained to the German Press Agency that throughout the year, various events such as dance sports competitions, men's ballet state championships, and carnivalistic dance sports championships are held.
Preparations for these events commence even in June with coach training sessions. Many carnival clubs also take part in summer festivals, with their members often involved in fair activities and available for show dances at private events. Vater emphasized the importance of expanding the children's dance workshops, especially in rural areas where carnival clubs often serve as the cultural backbone.
A unique offering from the "Carnival Makes Holidays" children's holiday camp, scheduled from June 29th to July 5th, 2025, at the youth hostel in Nebra, attracts 56 children for a week-long circus program. The camp, a first of its kind for a carnival state association in Germany, is now in high demand following its inception as an alternative summer activity for youngsters.
Young people can look forward to a three-day youth camp at the end of August, complete with canoeing, hiking, and a disco. This tradition has been upheld for six years and provides entertainment for approximately 30 participants.
Moreover, regular meetings and training workshops for carnivalists are scheduled throughout the year. These encompass joke-writing, singing, and club workshops, attracting an average of 25 and 45 participants annually, respectively. Distinguished lecturers offer instruction in aspects like breathing techniques, voice distribution, and digital media to tax law.
The Saxony-Anhalt Carnival State Association, under Vater's leadership for 14 years, serves as a service provider for local clubs, ensuring their needs are met year-round. Currently, the association includes 185 clubs across the state.
The Saxony-Anhalt Carnival State Association, with Dirk Vater as president, has extended its reach beyond traditional Carnival season. Alongside annual events like dance sports competitions, they're also focusing on vocational training, organizing coaching sessions for children's dance workshops, promoting a lifestyle that blends carnivalistic activities with home-and-garden pursuits.
