Germans may normally come across as serious and disciplined, but once a year, at least in certain parts of the republic, they go completely wild.
In Germany, Carnival (Karneval) is an annual celebration, especially in February, with colorful activities held across the country to make people happy. Carnival has its roots in Christian tradition and is a festival held to welcome the 40 days of long fasting before Christian Easter.
During carnival time in Germany's most popular carnival destinations, you'll be amazed by the spectacle before your eyes: people dressed as clowns, ghosts, or unicorns sing and dance in the streets, kilometers of floats parade through the city center, and the pubs are packed. Normal work and life come to a standstill, and anyone who happens to be there has only one choice: celebrate together.
For many, the importance of Carnival (Karneval) – also known as Fastnacht or Fasching, depending on the region – has earned this period the nickname the "fifth season." It begins on November 11 and lasts until the start of Lent, the seven weeks leading up to Easter.
The largest and most famous parades are held on Rose Monday (Rosenmontag) in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. Nearly a hundred groups participate, stretching several kilometers and lasting all day. Every year, approximately one million visitors attend the Cologne Rose Monday parade, where hundreds of tons of candy are distributed.
