No Shutdown for Karneval
German Karneval may not sound all that different from the Carnival or Mardi Gras you're familiar with in New Orleans or down in Brazil, but it really is another beast reckoning to be partied with. Karneval in Germany dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest German customs. Century older than Oktoberfest, and to most American's surprise, much more popular.
This years Chicago Prinz Wilhelm I was crowned in November, but the real party didn't begin until after Christmas and doesn't stop until Ash Wednesday.
In its early origins, Karneval opened the doors for the "common folk" to mock local politicians, often by walking the streets wearing caricature customs of the leader, all without fear of punishment.Today, many German's carry on this very tradition with grand spectacles and parades that draw out millions of locals and visitors to the streets.
Prinz Wilhelm I "Bill" was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and immigrated to the US in 1966 at the age of 13. It was on that Loftleidir Icelandic Canadair CL44 flight from Luxemburg to NYC where Bill met the first true love of his life: flying.
After graduating from West Chicago High School, Bill was on his way to the U of I Champaign to make his dream a reality. Soon after taking on his first airline job post graduation with Aeormech Airlines, an Allegheny Commuter, Bill landed the job of a lifetime when he was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1983. Moving to Bartlett in 1987, where his family still lives today.
Bill spent the next 35 years flying for Northwest, and after a merger, Delta Airlines. With his final flight from Rome, Italy to Detroit, Michigan, retired airline captain Bill knew it was time to for his next adventure as Prinz Wilhelm I. Thus this years motto: "Komm Fly Mit Uns…"
Right after Chicago's final festivities, Prinz Wilhelm I, his entourage and a couple dozen Chicagoans head to his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to celebrate and then on to Mainz to participate in the Rosenmontag Parade with over 700,000 spectators on the parade route and millions watching the telecast on TV. Bill could have never imagined this when he immigrated 53 years ago.
On February 23rd there is a Grand Masquerade Party with entertainment and craziness only the Germans know how to bring to Karneval. The party doesn't end with with the Masquerade Party, Rosenmontage, (Rose Monday) another fun-filled evening awaits around the corner with a night filled with a variety of live entertainment. Witness top performances by the Rheinischer Verein's Fanfaren and Amazonen at the Hofbräuhaus in Rosemont. Go to www.ChicagoPrinz for more information.