Germans may normally come across as serious and disciplined, but once a year, at least in certain parts of the republic, they go nuts.
In Germany, Carnival (Karneval) is an annual grand celebration, especially in February, when colorful activities are held all over the country to make people have fun. The Carnival originated from the Christian tradition and is a festival held to welcome the 40-day long fasting before the Christian Easter.
At carnival time in German carnival destinations, you will be amazed by what you see: people dressed as clowns, ghosts or unicorns singing and dancing in the streets, kilometers of floats strolling in the city center, and the pubs are packed. Normal work life came to a standstill, and those who happened to be there had only one choice: to celebrate together.
For many people, the importance of Carnival (Karneval) - also known as Fastnacht or Fasching depending on the region - is such that this period is also known as the "fifth season." It begins on November 11 and lasts until the beginning of Lent, which is the seven weeks before Easter.
The largest and most famous parades are held on Rose Monday (Rosenmontag) in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz. The procession, with nearly a hundred groups, was several kilometers long and lasted all day. Every year, around a million visitors come to Cologne's Rose Monday parade, where hundreds of tons of candy are given out.