Carnival, Fasching and Fastnacht

In short: Carnival, Fasching and Fastnacht refer to the time of street festivals, parades and costumes before the Christian season of Lent. Depending on the region it has a different name.

In more detail: The strongholds are in the Rhineland (Karneval), southern Germany (Fastnacht) and Bavaria and Austria (Fasching).

In detail

• Start: On 11 November at 11:11 the “fifth season” begins.
• Peak: Women’s Carnival Thursday, Rose Monday and Shrove Tuesday.
• Parades: Floats, bands and throwing “Kamelle” (sweets).
• Costumes: Dressing up is usual, fun is the focus.
• Ash Wednesday: Start of Lent, end of the celebrations.
• Origin: Roots in medieval customs before fasting (mittelalter-lebenswelt-und-gesellschaft).
• Safety: At big events follow instructions, keep an eye on children.