Helvetia, WV
Fasnacht

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Photo of Belly Dancer at the HutteFasnacht is the pre-lenten burning of Old Man Winter. It occurs on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and is likened to Mardi Gras. It has its roots in the Swiss Winterfest.

Saturday afternoon features food, beverages, and open mic music in the Star Band (Red) Hall, a buffet at the Hutte restaurant, and browsing in the local shops. At 8:00 p.m., a parade featuring large, often frightening, and quite artistic masks travels from the Red Hall to the Community Hall where the costumes are judged and the square dance begins. At midnight the efigy of Old Man Winter is cut down from the ceiling of the Community Hall, carried on the shoulders of the celebrants to the bonfire outside, and burned to signal the end of Winter.

The warming effect is not immediate and visitors should wear plenty of clothing so they can enjoy the outdoor activites.

Very ugly maskA typical schedule is:

  • 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Open Mic, food, and beverages. Star Band (Red) Hall.
  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Buffet - Greetings - Hutte Restaurant.
  • 8:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Lampion (candlelight) parade - Star Band Hall to Community Hall.
  • 8:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Judging costumes - Prizes - Community Hall.
  • 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. Masked Ball - Community Hall.
  • 12:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. Burning Old man Winter - outside Community Hall.

The Fasnacht Mask Museum preserves masks and information about them. There are a number of links to Fasnacht pages. It has been covered by local and national media.