Grüß Gott,

The end of Februar also marks the end of Carnival season, a worldwide celebration that differs depending on regional traditions. Before we step into März, allow me to share some Karneval facts about Germany. Did you know that the biggest Carnival celebration of all of Europe is held in Köln (Cologne), one of Germany’s oldest cities? It’s true! Not only is it the largest Carnival, but it is also one of the oldest; written records have been traced back to the year 1341.

The word Karneval means, “Farewell to meat” it is thought to date back to Roman and Egyptian religious celebrations. It is also believed that at some point, people paraded the streets by wearing scary masks and making lots of noise to scare away the darkness of Winter. During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church began to assimilate these celebrations into the Christian calendar by making it der letzte Festival before Lent. Traditionally, the culmination of Karneval ends with various festivities (Time of celebration depends on region) that take place sieben Wochen before Easter. During this joyful time, many people celebrate by dressing up and having a good time.

Carnival season is officially declared on November 11th at 11:11 O’Clock. But because of the Advent and Christmas season, preparations truly begin after the new year. November 11th marks the beginning of the fifth season, it is on that day that Karneval clubs all over Germany choose ein Prinz und eine Prinzessin. It is also the day when city halls are being overtaken by jesters demanding the symbolic keys to the city.

From that point on, Carnival festivities gain in strength, with conventions and parades i.e., Rosenmontagzüge (Shrove Monday parades) and Weiberfastnacht (Fat Tuesday), this includes the tasting of delicious Fastnachtkrapfen (a kind of donut). On Fat Tuesday, all the nominated princes and princesses move into city halls and govern until the clock strikes midnight — When the whole event comes to a halt … that is … until the next time.

In Köln, throughout the celebrations you will hear people shout “Kölle Alaaf!” and even though you might think that this expression relates to the Karneval season, it really does not. In reality, it means ” Cologne above all!”

This short clip dates back to 2007, but it will give you a kleinen Überblick of the Carnival parade in Cologne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSjDofLjzlU

Every region celebrates this season according to local traditions. Known as, “Die fünfte Jahreszeit” the name for Carnival varies depending on the region, or dialect.

For example:

• In the Rhineland area: “Karneval”
• In Köln: “Fasteleer” or “Fstelofvend”
• In Northern Bavaria: “Fosnat”
• In Swabia (South-west): “Fasnet”
• In and around the city of Mainz (not to far from Frankfurt): “Fastnacht”
• In München and Austria: “Fashing”

There is a lot of information on this particular topic, but it is my hope that you now have a better understanding of how most Germans celebrate this very special season–The fifth season!

Auf Wiedersehen,

Nathalie