Dear All,

Let’s begin with a short note on the topic: As we have tried to point out, Carnival or the Carnivalesque should be considered in the broadest sense as a cultural principle of masquerade, mimicking, mocking, subversion in all forms and varieties. We encourage you to consider the topic less in terms of folklore or customs but in all forms and varieties, all epochs, contexts, and constellations. IFTR conferences also encourage submissions of curated panels with a common theme. Please remember to indicate this when submitting your abstract. Likewise, a last reminder: the application period for the bursaries ends on 22 November – apply now!

This week, we present you even two Fools of the Week, who also happen to be Cologne Curiosities: Tünnes and Schäl. Both are characters from the local puppet tradition, the Hänneschen Theatre. While Tünnes (short for Anton) is the rustic one, whose red nose indicates his inclination to a proper drink, Schäl (meaning something like the cross-eyed) represents the wannabe better urban middle class: always clever, always seeking his advantage. Like so many other pairs of fools, they usually appear in tandem, trapped in a comic friend-foe relationship. In Cologne, they have been so successful that they have even transcended the confines of the puppet stage, appearing in many popular jokes (ask me for my favourite one when you come to town…).

During the IFTR 2025 you will have the chance to meet them – either in the theatre, for which we have reserved a contingent of tickets, or at the Old Market. If you are looking for luck in Cologne, rub Tünnes' nose there. Or sway with him during Carnival – the two fools are frequent guests at the Cologne Rose Monday procession – perhaps the most important holiday for all Karnevalists.

Speaking of holidays: we would like to point out that the first day of our conference (09.06.) is Whit Monday! Just like on Sundays, all shops in Germany are closed (except for pubs and restaurants). Please keep this in mind when planning your schedule.

More soon – please spread the word about this newsletter!
Alaaf – meaning as much as au fou de partout, to fools everywhere, we greet you!

Peter W. Marx
for the Cologne Team