26 February 2025

Fasching Costumes: How to Dress Up Without Crossing the Line

Vienna's streets are alive with the vibrant hues of Fasching, the Austrian and German carnival season. Storefronts dazzle with Venetian-style masks, clown props, garlands, honeycomb balls, streamers, and confetti, casting an elegant yet playful spell over the city's historic heart.

From 'Vaschang' to 'Fasching': A Brief History

The term "Fasching" traces its roots to the Middle High German word "vaschang," referring to the eve of Lent when the last casks of alcohol were consumed before fasting. Traditionally, Fasching season kicks off on November 11th at 11:11 AM and culminates on Shrove Tuesday, known locally as Faschingsdienstag. The preceding day, Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), along with Faschingsdienstag, marks the pinnacle of festivities, featuring parades, masquerades, and a general air of merriment.

Costumes: Embrace Your Inner Jester

Donning costumes during Fasching allows individuals to step into alternate personas, a tradition rooted in medieval times when anonymity provided the freedom to satirize authority without fear of retribution. This "Narrenfreiheit," or jester's freedom, encouraged societal critique under the guise of festivity. However, even jesters had their limits, ensuring that freedom didn't descend into chaos.

Office Etiquette: To Dress Up or Not?

Bringing Fasching flair to the workplace can be a tightrope walk. In a press release issued this week, the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) advises employees to clarify the costume policy with their employers in advance. While personal attire choices generally fall under individual privacy, certain professions—like banking or law—may enforce specific dress codes. Safety and hygiene standards also play a role; for instance, clown shoes might not be suitable on a construction site. Importantly, employers cannot mandate costumes unless it's intrinsic to the job, such as entertainers at a Fasching event. Any required attire must respect personal dignity and be provided by the employer.

When Costumes Cross the Line

Not all costumes are created equal. Some ensembles, like the "Kostüm Gruppe Fasching Vögel" (Carnival Bird Group Costume) listed on willhaben—a popular Austrian online marketplace specializing in preloved goods—might ruffle feathers in conservative settings. Willhaben offers a plethora of group costumes, including:

- Disco Ball and DJ Ensemble: A glittering set perfect for those ready to boogie.
- Rollercoaster Quartet: A cleverly designed costume simulating a thrilling ride.
- Forest Bathing Trees: Seven tree costumes embodying the serene practice of "Waldbaden."

Recent search trends on willhaben reveal that adults are gravitating towards costumes themed around the Middle Ages, the popular series "Squid Game," and the ever-groovy Hippie era.

Fasching: Fun Without the Faux Pas

While Fasching is a time to unleash your inner jester, it's essential to ensure your antics don't make you the butt of the joke. Choose costumes that align with the event's theme and respect the setting. After all, the goal is to celebrate joyfully without stepping on toes—or tripping over oversized clown shoes.


Image: The picture was created by Fashion.at using Microsoft Copilot, Bing on February 26, 2025. It shows a laughing man with a fool's cap on his head. He is sitting in a photo booth taking selfies of himself with his phone.