Carnival

Carnival is being celebrated in all parts of Germany, but with different intensity and different customs. The roots of Carnival are in pre-christian fertility rites which were performed in the beginning of spring. Later the stocks not needed during the fasting time were used up from Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

Nowadays Carnival is celebrated most extensively in the Rhineland. From November 11 (official beginning) until Violet Tuesday (the day after Rose Monday) there are countless events taking place. The main events are the Carnival parades on Rose Monday.

There are other traditions in South Germany. The "Swabian-Allemanic Fasnet" with its customs and traditional costumes is more related to the pagan tradition than the Carnival in the Rhineland.

The most important thing during Carnival is dressing-up, of course, especially for the children. Therefore during that time you can often see little princesses, Native Americans or Supermen in the streets.