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Old Man Winter
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
In 2009, the American Festivals Project visited Helvetia, West Virginia, to participate in Fasnacht, a pre-Lenten celebration that also marks the end of winter. Fasnacht—translated from the German as "fast night"—grew from the town's Swiss heritage. During festivities that begin at dark and continue until midnight, participants carry papier-mâché lanterns and dress in costumes to scare Old Man Winter, who hangs in effigy from the ceiling of the community hall.
Read more about Fasnacht on the American Festivals Project blog.
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Masked Reveler
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Following tradition, a Fasnacht participant's mask is designed to frighten Old Man Winter out of town.
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Costume Contest
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Revelers gather in the Helvetia community hall, where Fasnacht costumes are judged. The Swiss-German roots of the town's founders still influence village life—the winner of the costume contest receives a small Swiss flag.
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Belly Dancer
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
The Hutte Restaurant treats Fasnacht guests to the unique combination of robust Swiss-German fare and belly dancing performances.
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Fasnacht Celebration
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Children also take part in Fasnacht festivities, which include square dances to live string music in the community hall.
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Old Man Winter Bonfire
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
At midnight, Old Man Winter is cut from his high perch and dragged from the hall to a raging bonfire outside.
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Lampion Parade
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Fasnacht's traditional lampion parade features revelers in artistic, outsize masks.
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Costumed Revelers
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Creative—and often scary—costumes are one of the highlights of Fasnacht, which has similarities to Mardi Gras and Swiss Winterfest celebrations.
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Fasnacht Reveler
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
A live mouse in a running wheel fills the void in a papier-mâché head.
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Costumed Reveler
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Costumed revelry continues into the night after the climactic bonfire claims Old Man Winter.
More American Festivals
American Festivals Project Videos
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