Postcards from Germany: Germany's Abi Ball

As Guymon’s juniors and seniors gear up for prom next weekend, minds will be occupied with visions of perfect dresses, dinners, dates and dances. During what is ostensibly the social event of the school year, students would regard with terror and loathing their parents showing up – and heaven forbid – actually staying. Germany’s students don’t have a choice at their formal senior dance, called an Abi Ball. In fact, no one even takes a date, unless your definition of “date” includes parents and siblings who might just hang out until the wee hours of the morning with you. Not having that divine guy or girl at your side might not seem such a bad idea once you consider that, at least in some schools, each senior is introduced on stage in front of a mammoth version of her 1st grade yearbook photo. The night gets progressively better, though, as seniors entertain friends and families with plays, dances and music. Their hard work is rewarded by the dancing – and yes, the school-provided alcohol – that follows the seniors’ program and might last until sunrise. So for those of you heading to prom next weekend or enjoying Pioneer Days this weekend, enjoy, or as we say in German, “Viel Spaß!” Questions, comments or suggestions: guymongirl1@gmail.com.

tags: germany  prom  abiball