The Dragons have returned once again to our little sleepy bend in the Neckar river. Ladenburg hosted the 6th annual Dragon Boats races with 55 teams from local areas competing. The atmosphere was alive, especially because our long running heatwave broke the evening before the races, thus encouraging everyone to come and participate.

Our small stretch of beach was also transformed into Tropical beach bars with bonfires lighting up the night sky. It seemed like just about everyone came to party in Ladenburg this weekend.

I have been lucky enough to photograph 4 of the 6 years of this event and each year it gets more fun. This year, I tried to find a new perspective and came prepared with my amazing Keen waterproof shoes. I just walked right into the cool Neckar river, creating a very unique perspective to capture my shots.

So I am really hoping you enjoy this slide show of images I put together to share with you.

Fasching or Carnival season is upon us here in Germany, Carnival is a time of frolic before the forty days of Lenten fasting.  I managed to visit two Faschingsumzug or Fasching parades in one day while visiting in the mountainous region of Garmisch.

This year I set out to capture as many traditionally carved masks and costumes as possible.  On some great advice I was able to capture images in two old Alpine villages.  My first stop at 10:30 am, was the ancient village of Farchant.  It was a bitter dark morning but laughter, joy and more than a few schnapps warmed the environment.  This parade didn’t last long, a very chilly hour perhaps and then it was back on the road again.

The sun came out about noon, which seemed to be how the days were while we were there…dark mornings revealing later the amazing Alps and rich blue skies in sunshine.

We entered the village of Krün at about 12:30 and there were a few costumed revelers wandering about with their carts full of schnapps and Krapfen, (jelly doughnut).  For 2 euros you would get a shot and a stamp on the back your hand which we figured out later gave you cheaper drinks and a great way to get out of buying more drinks from the forceful sales women.  All in fun, these women, some even on balloon festooned bicycles, sold their wares with the funds going towards next years festival.  For my husband who isn’t a big drinker, (I am always the one sacrificing my liver for anthropological reasons) discovered he could just show the ladies his already stamped hand and they would leave him in peace.

Many of these costumes pre-date Christianity and are of pagan origin.  They were originally created as a way to chase away the evil spirits of Winter and awakening Spring.   Since most of the Earth is covered in snow these days with this crazy Winter we are having….I hope these images help bring a sunny Spring to you soon.

For more information on this colorful ancient holiday stop by and read a few great sites I found:
harwoodgruss
History of Fasching

Please Click the link below to view a slideshow of images from the parades.