KARNEVAL-GROUP
The KDK (Klub der Karnevalisten) was founded during Springtime 1971 and the first Council of the eleven reigned there for the first time. Their aim at that time was to bring back the German Karneval to Brisbane and to show and to exercise some of the typical German Customs. The Motto at that time was Alaaf and Helau, but now it is Brisbane Alaaf, which seems more fitting. The founding members of the KDK were: Gerhard Arnold (President), Willi Kortz (Vice-President), Heinz Petrack, Horst Petrack, Walter Meister, Werner Rojahn and Albert Kurth.
At the first Karneval Function held on the 12 November 1971, at the German Club, the first Council of Eleven sat at the table to lead their guests into a night of entertainment they would never forget. They were: Gerhard Arnold, Willi Kortz, Heinz Petrack, Michael Hahn, Ewald Lück, Werner Rojahn, Hans Weber, Manfred Kurth, Walter Meister, Horst Petrack and Albert Kurth. After that, the group never looked back. Years later, the "Wolkenschieber Ballet" was introduced to the audience and they absolutely loved it. Who wouldn't love to see guys dressed up as girls trying to do a ballet. Some were very agile and others stiff as a board, but they all had fun performing. When Elva Schweida joined the group as a choreographer, dancing improved 100%. Other "Jecke" joined the goup to give fun and have it as well and they were well supported by their wives and girlfriends who were called "The Heinzelmännchen". The KDK hold their functions twice yearly : Saturday nights as close as possible to the 11th November and towards the end of February the Lumpenball (Fancy dress) Ball is held. A short history of the Karneval is as follows: KARNEVAL-FASTNACHT-FASCHING What is it? It is a festival that has many names. in some places it is called Fasching, in others it is called Fastnacht or Fassenet. In some places, including New Orleans, it is called Mardi Gras. But in Köln (Cologne) the party is known as Karneval. It begins on the 11th day of the 11th month at exactly 11 minutes past 11 o'clock in the morning. This is when the Karneval Honour Guard - at least in the Rhineland, in Cologne, Bonn or Mainz - marches up. The jesters are drawn into the street, where they have one day to revel in pleasant anticipation. How did it start? The early Karneval celebrations in Cologne had been organized by craft guilds. From 1794 to 1800 during the revolutionary wars, Cologne was occupied by French troops, and celebrations were forbidden. When they were permitted again, Karneval degenerated rapidly into rowdyism and excessive vulgarity. In 1823, concerned citizens, mainly of the educated elite, formed Karneval societies for the purpose of creating a new image. The romantic spirit of the times and renewed interest in classic Greece and Rome, provided inspiration for Karneval themes. Before the season culminates in the Rose Monday Parade, there are balls, parties and the famous "Büttensitzungen". "Bütten" (barrel) speakers are expected to be hilariously funny, witty and clever. The speeches range from funny to satirical and highly political. The speakers enjoy "Narrenfreiheit" (fool's liberty), the license of a court jester who had the liberty to speak unpopular truths as long as they were cloaked into the forms of jokes. Such an evening is further enlivened by skits, dance entertainment, music, food and song. The Rose Monday Parade, as is the entire carnival season, is presided over by the "Dreigestirn (the Triumpherate), a symbolic figure, "Prince Karnival", assisted by two other picturesque figures, the "Kölnische Bauer" (Cologne Peasant) and the Kölnische Jungfrau" )Cologne Virgin, portrayed by a man) became the principles. The numerous independent parades of masked groups were combined into one big parade culminating in the "Prince's" float. The persons on the floats throw tons of "Kamelle" (candy) into the crowds who line the streets in the hundreds of thousands. There are also the "Funken Mariechen" (Mary of the Sparks), high stepping dancing majorettes, girls and women dressed in white wigs, three-pointed hats and red uniforms. On Karneval floats and during celebrations, they dance, do cartwheels, the splits and get lifted high by their partners. Weiberfastnacht (women's carnival night) is the Thursday before Rosenmontag, and it is tradition that women are allowed to cut off the tie of any man within reach, and to kiss any man they want to. Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday) the first day of lent, the merrymaking comes to an end.