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Airmen defend Bitburg townhall key

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clay Murray
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BITBURG, Germany --  Talk to anyone about German culture who isn't familiar with it, and the conversation will probably take a turn toward Munich, Oktoberfest, bratwuerst and sauerkraut. Many Airmen have experienced these firsthand.

Upon further inspection into German culture, however, Airmen have also uncovered some other jewels, like Weiberdonnerstag, or Fat Thursday, that takes place during the beginning of Fasching.

Weiberdonnerstag is the first day of Fasching, or the silly season. On this day, the women of the town gather together in front of the Rathaus, or townhall, and as is customary, request that the mayor turn over the key. The women of town, who now hold the key to the Rathaus, are in power for the entire day. Many take part in dancing, drinking and merrymaking until the end of Weiberdonnerstag and throughout Fasching.

Airman from Spangdahlem Air Base help the mayor of Bitburg, Germany, defend the key every year on Fat Thursday. They have taken part in this tradition now for many years. The mayor, Joachim Kandels, has been participating in this part of Fasching with Americans for 25 years.

"Seven years ago, I took part in the storming as the Fasching Prince, but this is my first as the mayor," Mayor Kandels said. "People from the base have been taking part in Fasching since I can remember."

Although the day is primarily a German custom privy to the western and southern states, Americans have not only helped out with the event, but have become part of the norm and garnered a reputation.

"The best part about having the local military involved is that, first, it documents the German and American friendship," Mayor Kandels said. "It also shows that together we can join and have fun. I am, of course, always happy to see (American Airmen) enjoy themselves and be integrated into the community."

Many members from the 52nd Medical Group stood their ground in front of the Rathaus Feb. 11 prepared to defend the mayor and key from the crowd of women storming the doors. A unique blend of military dress, outrageous costumes and traditional masks painted the wall of the Rathaus like living graffiti.

"This is my first time taking part in Weiberdonnerstag for Fasching," said Maj. David Eisenach, 52nd MDG commander executive. "I was the protector of the key for the mayor so that the women would not be able to enter the Rathaus."

Mayor Kandels is a big fan of Fasching in general, but has grown partial to one specific event: Weiberdonnerstag. Over time he has come to enjoy the costumes, themes, music and overall atmosphere.

"My favorite part (of Fasching) is Weiberdonnerstag for sure," Mayor Kandels said. "After the storming of the Rathaus, we enjoy ourselves by partying, relaxing and having a good time. The costumes are also very interesting; every year we have a different theme, and I like to see the different outfits. This year we chose world travel and in the past we've done hunting and the woods, Bavarian, Chinese and others."

Not only Germans, but Americans have also proven fond of this part of the festival.

"This is a great event for us to observe with the host nation," Major Eisenach said. "It's a good thing for us to do, as we want to expand our partnership capacity with the host nation, and it's also a great way to improve our community relations. (During this event) we have the chance to meet a lot of people we normally wouldn't meet and experience part of a different culture. We typically spend a lot of time with other Americans, but this is a great way to introduce ourselves to local customs."