Rheinischer Verein of Milwaukee

The Club

 

Karneval is one of the oldest customs in Germany, especially in the Rheinland, also known as Mardi Gras!

The Karneval season takes placed between November 11th and Ash Wednesday, and is often called "die fuefte Jahreszeit" or fifth season. 

During the winter months, there was little work to be done, creating an opportune time for festivities. Every day life was taken lighter. People were allowed to ridicule their local authorities in a joking way. 

To keep the tradition of Karneval alive, the Mardi Gras Society of Milwaukee Reheinischer Verein Gruen-Weiss was founded in 1964. 

Sonja was one of the founding members in 1964.

Even though Mardi Gras in Milwaukee may not be celebrated with as much pomp and ceremony as in the German cities of Cologne and Duesseldorf, we are known for celebrating this custom with enthusiasm, which comes from the heart. 

Festivities celebrated during the Karneval season include: 

  • Hoppeditz Erwachen or the opening of Karneval - where Hoppedtize, the clown or Spirit of Karneval, is brought to life for the season
  • Weiberfastnact - women's masquerade
  • Maskenball - masquerade dance
  • Kehraus - the closing of the season, where Hoppeditz is put to rest until November

Music is also an important part of Karneval, and the linking of arms and swaying to the music (Schunkeln) is a common sign at all events. There are traditional Karneval songs, including:

  • Denn Einmal Nur Im Jahn ist Karneval
  • Viva Colonia

The custom of Karneval is one that can be shared and enjoyed by all people, no matter what area of Germany or the world they are from. 

We promote and participate in many other events to preserve the heritage of our German culture.

The focus is to promote the German tradition of Karneval as a bigger family event. Our fests, music, dance, food and song defines Gemütlichkeit. 


We also love to sponsor the Deutsch Schule - German School Milwaukee. Their mission helps promote the German language and culture. For over 90 years, the Deutsch Schulte - German School has taught the German language to children and adults in the greater Milwaukee Community every Saturday morning from September through May. To date, over 4,000 students have attended the school, and they are proud to see continued interest and growth in all of their classes, from K3 to advanced adult classes. 


How to Join the Club:

Dues are $40 per person for a year membership.

Contact Diana Bauer ~ 414-708-2866​


The Society Oath: 

I promise, to represent the Rheinischer Verein in a worthy manner, to be a good friend to the members, and to support and further the Mardi Gras tradition to the best of my ability.