Woke up this morning and thought I was justgoing to have a relaxing Sunday with my host family. Then Cassie called me and asked if I wanted to go to a Faschings Umzug (Parade) in Dettigen (another small village outside of Horb). I agreed since I haven't been to a parade here yet.

Well let me tell you… their idea of a parade is NOTHING compared to what we get in America. If what happened today in Dettigen, happened in America I can guarantee there would be people filing lawsuits right now. However, I thought it was quite awesome and wish we had something like this back home.

First of all, Cassie's host mother told us that this was a small parade. Apparently, a parade that lasts only an hour and a half is "small." The parade consisted of many many different things. There were plenty of bands, all dressed up in different themes. My favorite was a band dressed up as Jamacians. There were plenty of other groups that had different themes and would throw Candy into the crowd on the side. (There were themes from Smurfs to bears.) They even have their children walk with them, or if they're still babies they'll push/pull them in a stroller and of course they're dressed up to!

The best part is when the Hexen (witches) come through in packs. Each group does something different. (This is where the lawsuits would come in if we were in America.) Today I got smeared with Hay three times, got a huge handful of very small shredded paper thrown over my head, got a huge kiss on my check from a guy with heavy red lipstick on, and twice when I wasn't looking Hexen (that were both under the age of 7) threw handfuls of confetti in my face.

It's really entertaining when they take people from the crowd into the parade… I watched a guy get doggie-piled by at least 8 wolves, another guy was sandwiched in between two wolves and they rolled down the street, I watched a girl get tackled by Hexen and they tried to steal her shoes, another girl was picked up a ran down the street with, and they would even take people and put them on ladders. Talk about an interactive parade!

Anyways, I could try to explain more to you guys, but I think it would be better if you just looked at the pictures and videos!

Oh and apparently this Thursday is when the party really begins. Thursday is "dirty Thursday" and the following Monday is "crazy Monday." In which we get a half day of school so we can go to the parade in Horb that is supposed to be way bigger than the one in Dettigen.

Tomorrow I need to find a good costume somewhere. I'm excited! :)

By the way incase you're interested in sending me some snail mail lovin' my address until April is:

Kimmy Schroeder
Mühringer Str. 48/1
72160 Horb-Ahldorf
Germany