Kreta

Kids' Whip Cracking Contest

by Kathrin_E

Essential part of the Hänsele costume is the Karbatsche, a whip that consists of a very short handle and a rope up to 5 metres long. Creating loud and rhythmic cracks requires both physical strength and technique.

The boys in Überlingen learn the use of the Karbatsche from a quite young age, the guild even organizes lessons. In the afternoon of carnival Saturday the kids are having a competition, which takes place in Hofstatt square (Sat 14.00) and is fun to watch. This year the youngest participant was five years old, the oldest 19 - of course they compete in different age groups.

The strict judges give points for the technique, loud and regular cracks, the position - both feet have to stay on the ground in the same spot. The correctness of the Häs is also taken into consideration: points are taken for white socks instead of black ones, shoes in other colours than black, a missing white handkerchief etc. Changing the whip from the right to the left hand and back gives bonus points. And so on.

The movement is hard to describe and impossible to see in photos. I have thus uploaded two videos. One of them shows a 7 or 8 year old during the contest. He has practised well. Still, he doesn't yet have the perfection and easiness of the adults. The other video was taken during the Sunday parade and shows a master in action.

Hänselejuck - Saturday Night Parade

by Kathrin_E

Saturday (20.00) is the big night when the "Hänselejuck", the night parade of the Hänsele guild, takes place in town. The Hänsele parade through the streets at night. Red bengal fires illuminate the old town. The parade begins near the train station and ends in Hofstatt square with music, dance and a lot of whip cracking.

The Stadtmusik band plays the traditional marches and waltzes. Ladies, you may even be invited to dance with a Hänsele.

A tired little Hänsele on Daddy's arm

A young Hänsele shows his whip-cracking skills.

Another very young Hänsele has sought refuge on Daddy's strong arm. Being in the darkness among so many big people with restricted visibility because of the mask - that can be scary for the littlies. Now he is at the same height as the big ones and obviously feeling on top of the world.

Shall I polish your camera lens with my nose?

"The Final In Hofstatt Square"

The Saturday night parade ends in the square named Hofstatt, just below the town hall, with music and a lot of whip-cracking. As soon as there is enough space the Hänsele will have their whips out. The bands are playing, and even the Parents of the Guild will dare a little waltz.

Hänslee assembling in Hofstatt square