I will be in Munich from February 3-9 with my husband. I understand that we will be there during the last days of Fasching. I have been able to find a little bit of information online, but just bits and pieces.

First, how do we find out about what's going on each day? Is there a weekly events magazine (maybe one in English)? If not, I guess the hotel front desk might have some information.

I have read that Fasching is much like Mardi Gras, but I've never been to that either so that description doesn't really help. Can anyone tell me what it's like to be in Munich during Fasching? What to expect? Is it mostly locals? Tourists?

Finally, my husband may be busy with business, leaving me to wander about on my own. Is it safe to attend Fasching events solo?

Thanks for reading this!

jrchapma:

Fasching is the time before lent where anything goes....and I do mean anything!
We were skiing around that time one year and came across skiers that had crazy costumes, face paint and we were not sure what was going on...but we caught on quickly and jumped into the spirit of the event.
Usually it is found where the locals would congregate. It is a bit like a Halloween for adults!
I would ask at the hotel if there are any local bars that will have fasching parties!
John

Think of Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street, then cut the intensity and people density back a bit. That's Fasching. To answer your question about safety, I consider Munich to be one of the safest cities in Europe, even during Fasching. You can usually find a schedule of events published at the hotel. And just join in the spirit and the fun. On a warm day (relatively) go to the Englischer Garten and take off all your clothes. Good luck.

Jan 07th – Feb 08th 2005
Fasching
During the extremely short length of the Munich Fasching (carnival) season this year hundred of balls will be held - from the classic ball in evening dress to the colourful fancy dress event. "Munich Madness" is celebrated in the pedestrian zone with music, fancy dress and dancing on Fasching Sunday, the 6th February, and on Shrove Monday, the 7th February. One of the climaxes of the Munich Fasching is the dance of the market women on the Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt) at 11 am on Shrove Tuesday, the 8th February.
In 2005 the Schäfflertanz, the traditional dance of the coopers' guild, takes place. It originated in the plague year of 1517 and has been performed every seventh year for centuries. It is the only public artisans' custom in Munich with an important background in cultural history.
Information: Fremdenverkehrsamt München
Tel. +49-(0)89 - 23 39 65 00
Fax +49-(0)89 - 23 33 02 33
[email protected]
www.muenchen-tourist.de

Fabulous advice! It sounds like we're timing our trip to be in Munich during an exciting and entertaining time.

I was in Vienna about 7 years ago during Fasching and had a wonderful time!

On Fasching Dienstag (Tuesday), the Viktualienmarkt will be packed with partiers, many in goofy costumes and most pretty well drunk by noon. Marienplatz isn't quite as crowded but the party extends all over the area. I think the weekend before there's some stuff going on at Marienplatz but it's not that big of a deal. Munich is always pretty safe and you'll be fine wandering around by yourself.