On 11 November, carnival guilds in Lake Constance and in Upper Swabia launched the carnival season. In several towns, the morning traditionally began with alarm bells, before fools’ poles were erected in central squares. Regional reports mention, among other places, Überlingen, Bad Waldsee and Kißlegg, where local associations marked the start with their own rituals. In Kißlegg, a miniaturefools’ pole was erected as a visible symbol.
The occasion is the regional customs associated with 11 November, which in many places mark the start of the carnival season. In Überlingen and Bad Waldsee, after early-morning wake-up calls, music groups and masked participants took to the streets to announce the start of the carnival festivities to the public. The ringing of alarm bells, often accompanied by brass bands or musicians, is regarded in many towns as the signal for the start of the fifth season. Erecting a fools’ pole is also one of the established ways of marking the start, although its size, decoration and the proceedings vary from one community to another.
The season launch ushers in a series of local events that continue until February. Highlights are usually Shrove Thursday and the carnival weekend, when processions, jumps and street celebrations are announced in towns and villages across the region. No specific attendance figures or economic impact were reported on the opening day. As of 11 November, no quantified information on costs, permits or safety arrangements was initially available.
Background: The Swabian-Alemannic carnival is deeply rooted in communities around Lake Constance and in the foothills of the Swabian Jura. Its defining features include locally distinctive costumes, the cracking of whips, runs by figures in nightshirts and the erection of fools’ poles. Many guilds use 11 November to announce programmes, mobilise active members and make their first public appearances. Practices vary widely, from major events in market squares to smaller gestures such as a miniature fools’ pole marking the start of the season.
It is plausible that the season launches boost tourism or create logistical demands for towns and communities. However, reliable assessments would require separate information from organisers or local authorities. The core of the story, therefore, is the documented start of the season, with alarm bells and fools’ poles in several places around Lake Constance and in Upper Swabia on 11 November.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).