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Miscellaneous | Fasching Parade : Fasching is carnival season. Originally it was a Pagan festival which came out of ancient Rome or Greece. In recent centuries, however, it has become more associated with the Christian Church. Officially the season starts on 11th November at 11:11am, although I've no idea why. It continues pretty low key for about 3 months. Things really begin to happen in February or March - 7 weeks before Easter. This is the week when people are allowed to "flip out" and behave recklessly before the beginning of Lent, which is a much more serious time. The Thursday before Ash Wednesday is known as "Weiberfastnacht", or "Women's carnival night". On this day tradition dictates that women are allowed to cut off the tie of any man within reach. So guys, don't wear your favourite tie to work that day! The women are also allowed to kiss any man they like. The following Monday is known as Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). On Rosenmontag there are various street processions involving lots of costumes and carnival floats. Faschingsdienstag (Carnival Tuesday) is the last day of Fasching and when most of the festivities happen. Faschingsdienstag is not an official holiday but workers usually get the afternoon off. Fasching around the world Fasching is celebrated mainly in the Catholic parts of Germany. Different areas give it different names, for example Karneval, Fastnacht, Fasnet, or Fosnat. Fasching is only the name used in and around Munich. Some of the biggest celebrations in Germany take place in Köln (see: karneval.de). This city certainly has the longest tradition with street parties dating back to the 14th century. Many Bavarians try to claim that the biggest celebrations are now in Munich, but this is debatable. Of course all the parties throughout Germany are dwarfed in comparison to the carnivals held at the same time in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. In New Orleans the festival is called Mardi Gras which is French for "fat Tuesday".

Miscellaneous | Fasching Parade

Fasching is carnival season. Originally it was a Pagan festival which came out of ancient Rome or Greece. In recent centuries, however, it has become more associated with the Christian Church. Officially the season starts on 11th November at 11:11am, although I've no idea why. It continues pretty low key for about 3 months. Things really ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2008 9:49am PST

Miscellaneous | Oktoberfest-Parade-2009 : Oktoberfest Costume Parade 2009 Munich

Miscellaneous | Oktoberfest-Parade-2009

Oktoberfest Costume Parade 2009 Munich

Updated: Sep 21, 2009 7:22am PST