In Germany the Karneval (carnival) season has begun. The carnival (also known as Fasching or Fastnacht in Germany) is a tradition to celebrate the time leading up to Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). The 40 day fast, which is very common within the Christian community, begins on Ash Wednesday and goes on until Karsamstag (Holy Saturday). This period of fasting is called Fastenzeit (Lent). On Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday) everyone can enjoy again whatever they gave up for Lent.
The carnivals are always celebrated in Fröhlichkeit (happiness) and Ausgelassenheit (high spirits). These carnivals have different names in different Regionen (regions) throughout Germany.
In south Germany (mainly in Hessen), in west Bayern (Bavaria) and in Baden Württemberg they celebrate ‘Fastnacht’, while in east Bavaria, Sachsen (Saxony) and Brandenburg they celebrate Fasching. In Rheinland (Rhineland) and north Germany it is just called the Carnival.
The official beginning of the carnival is at 11:11 on 11/11 (11th Nov). In the time between the 11th November and Weiberfastnacht (Fat Thursday, the thursday before Ash Wednesday), there are almost no Carnivals or events held. The climax of the carnival is the week before Ash Wednesday, where most people will celebrate on Rosenmontag (Carnival Monday) and Faschingsdienstag (Pancake day/Shrove Tuesday). During the Carnival time, you will find many parades taking place. The biggest carnivals in Germany are in Köln (Cologne), Mainz and Düsseldorf.
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