Fasching Dienstag

Like the US Postal Service, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will stop Austrians from partying.   Maria-Theresien Strasse, the main pedestrian only street leading out of the old town, was packed with revelers. 

On Tuesday, the city of Innsbruck filled with excitement as thousands flocked to the streets to celebrate "Fasching Dienstag."  While celebrations vary around the world - from Carnival in Rio to Mardi Gras in New Orleans - Tirol's biggest party for what is universally known as "Fat Tuesday" comes in the form of sort of Halloween meets Thanksgiving's Day parade.  As always, you know REALLY PLAYING FOR PIZZA was there to take it all in! 

Euro-bowl MVP Running Back Florian Grein, aka DARTH MAUL, poses with his Egyptian-Austrian girlfriend Hermine.  The Pink Raiders contingent will be strong this season!

Why is a monk wearing a beanie (or toque as Canadians say) and striking the pose while his wife flashes Blue Steel?  Cause it's Fasching Dienstag of course!

Menyada Watson, Raiders running backs coach, donned an orange Hawaiian shirt as an "NFL Assistant Coaching in the Pro Bowl."

Not exactly the Four Horseman of Notre Dame, but this quartet knows how to get their costume on... from left to right Flo (Darth Maul), Emmy (Friar), Tom (Joker), and Tom (Old School).  

They didn't expect WHITE BOY to pop up did they?!  Matt arrives on Monday so look forward to plenty of that!

You're my boy, Blue!

Costume of the night went to Thomas Lerch as Heath Ledger's JOKER.  He rarely broke character all night, staring vaguely into the air and mumbling gibberish.  Perhaps it was the pain medication - as unfortunately he is a receiver and on the first day of practice one of my passes broke his finger!  I felt terrible, but was reassured that "it wasn't my fault."

The Joker (Best Supporting Actor.)

As we walked through the streets, we were suddenly assaulted by starting cornerback Markus Krause!  He was doing his own impression of a "Raider" - which to me looked closer to something from Pirates of the Caribbean.  Yes, the teeth are fake!  (Although judging by how he hits, I'm sure some opponents will look that way!

The traditional celebration takes place in the middle of the afternoon when dozens of floats, pulled by tractors, parade into the city center.  Each float is decorated in its own style, and plays loud music.  At the end of the parade, they sort of disband and become their own "parties within a party" for lack of better term.  My favorite was an upside-down ship sporting the Austrian flag!

Best float... shipwrecked!

Are the American Idol semi-finalists on board?

On our way home at around 10 pm, we came across the best random costume of the night: MILKMAN!  Hand-painted and vaguely resembling Sponge-Bob, this crowd pleaser was happy to pose for pictures with all the passers-by.  My favorite touch, the word "Pasteurized" painted on his back!

Got Milk?

And finally, there is Nick Johansen.  He is our offensive line coach for the Raiders, and brings both a great attitude and lots of energy to any situation.  We have a lot in common, as we share a last name (I learned this week that three generations ago our family's name was Johansen) and both essentially come from Minnesota.  His antics will surely make RPP lore this season, but on Fasching Dienstag his most important goal was to make sure that everyone was having a good time.  Here's two good shots of my man Nick!

True Love?

"Oh no you DIDN'T!"

~ J. Twice