Karneval

 Sweethearts and Lovers Costume Party at the Athenaeum- February 15, 2014
Karneval, the German version of Mardi Gras, has deep historical roots

In Cologne, Indianapolis’s German sister city, the tradition of Karneval goes back centuries. Think Mardi Gras, but on a schedule. The Athenaeum, which began life in the 1890s as Das Deutsche Haus and remains the epicenter of all things German in the capital city, adopted the Cologne tradition.

Karneval, on Saturday, February 15, 6-11pm and will include music, food, drink, and costumes (this year’s theme is Sweethearts and Lovers), with a prize for the best costume. It starts with a Grand March led by the Karneval Prince, sometimes called “His Craziness” and Princess, a couple pre-selected by the Karneval committee. Polkamotion is the featured performing band.