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The first challenge of the evening
is always locating the Spirit of Karneval or the Narr (jester). After
all, Karneval cannot proceed without the Spirit of Karneval. On the
night before Ash Wednesday of the previous season the Spirit of
Karneval went to sleep. (or left town). Therefore, before the new
season can begin, the Narr has to be located. Finding the Spirit
of Karneval after many months is a difficult task. The Elferrat (the
Karneval council of Eleven supposedly wise men) have the job of
finding the Narr and it usually takes a different process each year.
Following the awakening of the Spirit, dinner is provided for all in
attendance. |
Once the Karneval Spirit has been awakened, the first
order of business is to un-crown the previous Prinzenpaar. They are
escorted into the hall by the Schutzmann and taken to the stage where they
are given the opportunity to say a few words of thanks to their loyal
subjects. Then their capes and 2 of the Prinz's feathers are removed from
his hat and his scepter is taken from him.
The next step is to crown the new Prinzenpaar. The
capes are given to the Prinzenpaar, and the scepter is given to the new
Prinz and two more feathers are added to his hat-making a total of 3
feathers. The Prinzenpaar are then given the opportunity to address the
audience.
Following the crowning of the new Prinzenpaar, there is
a dance and other entertainment during the band intermissions.
The following morning there is a breakfast (or Frühstuck)
that is attended by the Prinzenpaar, Hofstaat, Spieler, and a number of
other club members. Gifts are presented to the Prinzenpaar and other skits
and entertainment may be provided.
The Prinzenkrönung for the
2007/2008 Karneval Saison (season) was held on the 10th of November, 2007, at the Zuhrah
Shrine Center in Minneapolis. Click below to see pictures from this event.