February 2006
Dedicated Followers of Fasching Take Note!
February 1970 may not strike you as a date of note, but it was then that Munich saw its last Fasching parade, after the route it followed—Neuhauserstrasse—was subsequently turned into a pedestrian zone. Although folks suggested alternatives, action was never taken—until now, that is. For the first time in 36 years, the city is bringing back its parade. The Damischer Ritterzug kicks off at the Hofgarten near Odeonsplatz at 11 am on Sunday, February 19. From there, it will head to Königsplatz, before ending at Stiglmaierplatz. The parade is just one of a series of celebrations that are taking place, topped off by the annual Dance of the Market Women at the Viktualienmarkt, on February 28. There’s also the usual range of balls, with themes varying from the fancy schmancy to the plain ridiculous. Here are a few of our favorites:
White: The Max Emanuel Brauerei in Schwabing is hosting a slew of its legendary “Weisse Feste”—where only guests who are decked out in white from head to toe will be allowed in. Parties will take place on February 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23–25, 27 at 8 pm and February 28, at 6 pm. For more information, visit
www.weisse-feste.de.
Tasty:
Kaffee und Kuchen lovers shouldn’t miss the “Ball der 1000 Torten” (Ball of 1,000 cakes) at the Deutsches Theater on February 5, where there’ll be a huge cake tombola in aid of charity. In fact, those who love a good ball could do worse than camp out at the theater—there’s a whole host of events running throughout the month.
Glam: There’ll be nothing but elegance to be had at the Magnolia Ball and the Münchner Rosenball, held at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Organized by the German-American Women’s Club, the Magnolia Ball takes place at 8 pm on February 15. Proceeds go to local charities and the club’s German-American student exchange program. Tickets are available by calling Tel. 212 09 99. The fourth annual Münchner Rosenball is on February 23, and will benefit the Klinikum Grosshadern. The ball starts at 8 pm. Tickets cost € 45–80; to purchase, call Tel. 212 09 99.
Animal Attraction: The Haus der Kunst encourages you to take a walk on the wild side with its annual Fasching ball on February 18 at 8:30 pm. Animal-themed costumes are mandatory. Tickets are € 15 if you buy in advance (either from the Haus der Kunst or
www.muenchenticket.de), € 18 at the door and € 10 after midnight.
Supernatural: Dress up like an important person of the past at the Die Gaukler im Paradies ball, at the Münchner Künstlerhaus on February 3. Already rumored to be on the guest list are Ghandi, Snow White, Van Gogh and Genghis Khan. Tickets are € 33–€ 44, and € 11 for those under 30. You can buy them in advance at the Künstlerhaus; call Tel. 599 18 40.
Flower Power: For what is possibly the highest Fasching party in the world, head to the Rock Museum atop the Olympiaturm for a hippy fest on February 17. The party starts at 7 pm and tickets are € 12. Send an e-mail to
info@rockmuseum.de, or visit
www.rockmuseum.de for more info.
For a complete list of balls, see
www.muenchen.de.
