Fools celebrate the 11: foolish basic law is read out
The carnival stronghold of Mainz celebrates the start of the fifth season this Saturday (11.11 am). Around 9,000 people are expected on Schillerplatz with the carnival fountain in the city center, which will be fenced off due to a glass ban and the high demand. The seven-euro tickets sold out very quickly - which was met with a lot of criticism.
However, according to the Mainz Carnival Association (MCV), no more people will be allowed onto the square. To ensure that jesters can still get in when others have left the square, tickets will be on sale at the MCV office from 3 pm. These additional tickets will then be available for four euros.
At 11.11 a.m., the "foolish basic law" will be read out on a stage in front of the baroque Osteiner Hof, Article 6 of which stipulates: "All born and all trained Mainzer should dress up and be foolish during the foolish days."
The Mainz Court Singers then open the music program, which has been extended to around ten hours because 11.11. falls on a Saturday this year. The group "Humbas" with Thomas Neger, Oliver Mager, the RotRockRappers and Pit Rösch will also ensure a good atmosphere in what is expected to be cold and wet weather and possibly eleven degrees. Finally, the cover band "Steplight" will be playing from around 6.30 pm.
On 11.11., the foolish date is celebrated with the number eleven - this is interpreted as an abbreviation for the French revolutionary ideals Égalité, Liberté, Fraternité (Equality, Liberty, Fraternity). However, the official start of the campaign in Mainz is only on New Year's Day. The highlight of the campaign is Rose Monday on February 12. The carnival motto for the 2024 carnival campaign is "Mainz on the Rhine invites the whole world to the Schoppe".
Shrove Tuesday, being a significant part of the carnival season, is celebrated enthusiastically in Mainz. The customs of this day include the reading out of the "foolish basic law" at 11:11 am, which encourages all residents to dress up and act foolish during the carnival period.
Source: www.dpa.com
