The 11.11. is approaching and the carnival clubs in Bavaria are happy that there are finally no more corona restrictions. But now high energy costs are affecting the carnival crowd. The clubs appeal to politicians.
Veitshöchheim (dpa/lby) - After two years with many restrictions, the carnival and carnival clubs in Bavaria are currently looking forward to a carnival like before the pandemic. Currently, everyone is assuming a session without reservations, says the President of the Franconian Fastnacht Association, Marco Anderlik. "The clubs are in a very positive mood," said Anderlik. On Friday, November 11th, the foolish hustle and bustle will start again in many places with actions such as storming the town hall and proclamations of princes.
Most clubs plan their events without restrictions. Dance sport tournaments, which usually take place in December or January, were brought forward in some cases to prevent infections in winter.
The television carnival should also take place again as usual. Several popular shows were canceled last year. Already on 11.11. the Bayerischer Rundfunk broadcasts a carnival show in the evening program.
However, the corona pandemic apparently did not go unnoticed by the clubs. According to the Franconian Fastnacht Association, there are fewer helpers, for example for setting up and dismantling at events. Individual clubs also report a "catastrophic decline" in activity among young people. According to the Franconian Fastnacht Association, however, demand in the children's and youth sector is generally unbroken. "Here the clubs did a very good job and kept the children and youngsters in line," said Anderlik.
Overall, most clubs seem to have gotten through the pandemic well so far - but with great effort. Already in the summer, many clubs made up for events such as anniversaries.
While the carnivalists seem to feel a sigh of relief with regard to Corona, the high energy costs are now causing them problems. Especially the Tanzsportgarden, who travel a lot, are hit hard by the fuel prices. "Bus costs have increased by 25 to 30 percent," says Thomas Semmelroth, chairman of the carnival club "Die Besenbinder" from Röttenbach in Central Franconia (Erlangen-Höchstadt district). Financially, this only works if the dancers are brought more on board. Instead of around 150 euros a year before, they would now pay around 250 euros.
Because of the energy costs, the carnival clubs are calling for political help. "In September I wrote to Prime Minister Söder and the State Chancellery that clubs also need support," says Fastnacht Association President Marco Anderlik. He has not yet received an answer. "We clubs have to move so that politicians don't forget us," said Anderlik.
The Fastnacht-Verband Franken, based in Veitshöchheim (district of Würzburg) in Lower Franconia, claims to have 330 clubs with around 100,000 to 120,000 carnivalists, including around 30,000 children and young people.
The carnival session traditionally begins on November 11th. at 11:11 a.m. Other highlights of the Bavarian carnival include the carnival parade on February 19 in Würzburg and the television program "Fastnacht in Franken".
The Rhenish carnival should also take place this year without any major restrictions.
