CARNIVAL BY THE LAKE: A BLÄTZLEBUEB REPORTS

BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY & DRUMBEATS

The Konstanz Fasnet is not just a festival, but a major cultural event. An indispensable part of it: the local carnival clubs. There are quite a few of them in Konstanz and the surrounding area, including the ‘Blätzlebuebe’, founded in 1934. One of the more than 1,400 costume wearers in this guild is Michael Hipp: Head of Building Services at LAGO – and deeply rooted in Konstanz’s carnival culture since childhood. As an active member, he explains what Fasnet means to him and why it is important to preserve the tradition. With this in mind, LAGO wishes you a happy carnival!

What brought you to Constance – or have you always lived here?

‘I was born and raised here, so I’ve been living in Constance for 48 years.’

What do you love most about the city?

‘The lake, of course! How does the saying go? “We live where others go on holiday.” I love cycling to the lake in summer and going swimming. ’

Do you have a favourite place in Konstanz? Why this place in particular?

‘It’s actually the Horn outdoor swimming pool. I like to go there to swim and enjoy the peace and quiet. Even though it can get quite crowded there on summer days, you can always find a quiet spot.’

What changes or developments would you like to see in Konstanz in the coming years?

‘The cultural offerings should cater more to young people.’

What do you do for a living and what excites you about it?

“I trained as an electrician and worked as a building technician after moving to LAGO. After a few years, I was offered the position of manager. To prepare for this, I completed a one-year further training course to become a building services specialist, which I finished in October 2022. What I enjoy most is the variety of my tasks.”

What exactly does your job at LAGO involve?

“I take care of everything to do with the building, especially things that aren’t visible, such as maintaining the ventilation, cooling and heating systems. This also includes checking the lighting and repairing it if necessary. I also coordinate the maintenance of the systems and equipment and ensure that the maintenance intervals are adhered to.”

Is there a particular project that you are especially proud of?

‘I still remember the “Glorious Bastards” project very well. I am very proud to have been actively involved in it. It is my biggest project to date, which demanded everything from us, but also went really well. Seeing how an idea developed into a real concept, including the entire implementation – that was a great experience.’

Do you have a hobby or a particular passion?

‘Playing music in the “Blätzlebuebe” guild fanfare band! I share this passion with my family, my wife and my two children.’

How did you get involved with the Blätzlebuebe?

‘My whole family has always been involved with the Blätz. My father was even a long-standing member of the fanfare band. So my brother and I have naturally been rooted in carnival since we were little. And sometimes you want to emulate your elders.’

What role do you play within the carnival guild – and what do you enjoy most about it?

“I joined the fanfare band in 1990. During this time, I also took on a position on the committee. Later, I was even accepted into the carnival council of the entire guild – and I am still active in the fanfare band and carnival council today. The fanfare band and making music together are my greatest passions.”

Do you have a Fasnets experience that has stayed with you in particular?

‘Every single carnival has its own special memories. Of course, I also remember the years when carnival was cancelled, such as in 1991 during the Gulf War or during the Corona pandemic.’

What does Fasnet am See mean to you personally?

‘The association has led to many friendships, both within the guild and with other carnival clubs. You only meet other people during carnival, but there’s something very nice about that – getting together again at this time of year.’

Why do you think it is important to preserve local traditions?

‘Carnival is a long-standing tradition, and in my opinion, it should not and must not simply disappear. Our descendants should be able to experience this tradition and pass it on.’