Münster Residents and Soldiers Party in Headquarters

A beautiful female dancer who manages to convince a general to open the doors of his headquarters for Prince Carnival and his troops: that is the ‘Storming of the Corps’.

Whenever there is a party, the residents of Münster are sure to find their way to the headquarters of 1 (GE/NL) Corps. This is the case again on Thursday 16 February 2012. At around three thirty in the afternoon, a growing number of carnival fans gather around the main entrance at the Hindenburgplatz 71 in Münster. Amongst them Prince Carnival Markus I, one of the main figures of the by now traditional Storming of the Corps. Prince Markus knows he has the support of his loyal train, easily distinguished by their extravagant headgear. Carnival music adds an additional festive touch. There is a pleasant tension amongst the high-spirited crowd. It is clear that something is about to happen in front of the headquarters.

BATTLE OF WORDS

Then it is time; the playful Battle of Words between Prince Markus and Deputy Commander 1 (GE/NL) Corps, Major General Werner Kullack starts. The commanders try to out-pun each other on the steps of the headquarters. General Kullack is winning until Prince Markus uses his secret weapon. The enticing Lore mysteriously beguiles Kullack. Resisting her willowy dancing proves too much, even for this Major General. Together both commanders fire a real cannon. Prince Markus’ victory is a fact. Kullack generously presents him with the key to the headquarters. The carnival-loving Münster residents quickly push through to the party room, where Prince Markus celebrates his victory with liquid gold.

WEIBERFASTNACHT

It’s the start of an enjoyable Weiberfastnacht, an old Rheinland tradition and an unofficial holiday in the heartland of Rheinland. The celebrations normally begin at 11:11 AM. People dress up in costumes and celebrate in bars, on the streets…or in the headquarters of 1 (GE/NL) Corps. Symbolically, women seize the power. It’s customary for them to cut off men’s ties (a symbol of male potency), leaving the men to walk around with just the stump. In return, the men are compensated with a kiss.

In the headquarters of 1 (GE/NL) Corps, soldiers and civilians enjoy themselves, party till late and festivities are moved to the city centre when the headquarters closes its doors. Once again, the Storming of the Corps is a huge success; a demonstration of the close-knit ties between the city of Münster and 1 (GE/NL) Corps.

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