Every year in the last days of February and the beginning of March, Germany is literally transforming before our eyes. The eve of Lent in Germany marks the long-awaited holiday - carnival. Different regions of Germany call this action differently: Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval. Carnivals are not held throughout Germany, but only in its Catholic regions. The most popular holiday on the banks of the Rhine River. Well-known are the festivities in Dusseldorf, Mainz and the carnival in Cologne. Germany attracted during this period a lot of people who really crave fun. All his colors, interesting carnival costumes, songs, funny dances and processions amaze with their brightness, liveliness and mood.
A bit of history
The first who began to hold carnivals were the ancient Romans, they held majestic holidays in the glory of Dionysus and Saturn. The carnival in Germany with its ancient history dates back to the times of the Germans, who celebrated the winter solstice, paying tribute to the Gods and thereby expelling evil spirits. Even the prohibitions imposed by the Catholic Church could not stop the Germans in their quest for fun and festivities. Already in the 18th century, carnivals in Germany spread almost everywhere and gradually became official. Modern carnivals give local residents and tourists a unique holiday atmosphere, remind of the traditions and unique culture of the peoples of the country. Carnival in Germany is such an ancient tradition that it is sometimes called the 5th time of the year. The country begins to prepare for the carnival, starting in November. The official start of the festivities is announced in advance - November 11, at 11 hours and 11 minutes, this time is considered magical.
"The Carnival of Babi"
The carnival in February in Germany begins on Thursday. It is noteworthy that this holiday is celebrated only by women. “The Carnival of the Women” opens at 11:11. This means that the main carnival in Germany has begun. In German, his name sounds like Weiberfastnacht, he bears another name - "Silly Thursday", which is no coincidence. The thing is that the number 11 (the time of the beginning of the carnival) during the Middle Ages was considered silly, because it was a cross between the number of commandments (10) and the number of disciples of Jesus (12). On this holiday for women, they are believed to have incredible strength. To emphasize their superiority over men, women on “Silly Thursday” dress up in costumes of all kinds of evil spirits. Their main goal is to catch as many men as possible and cut off their ties, which are considered a symbol of male power.
"Good Friday"
Do not even think to be bored! Carnival in Germany is just beginning! Following the “Silly Thursday”, a wave of colors and fun on Germany is approaching the next holiday - “Sooty Friday” (rußiger Freitag). Carnival Friday is called “soot” for a reason, the whole point is the growing custom of smearing soot on the faces of people passing by.
Fat Saturday and Tulip Sunday
Then the people meet "Fat Saturday" (Schmalziger Samstag). On this day, foods containing too much fat are traditionally thrown out of the refrigerator. The Saturday holiday is followed by "Tulip Sunday", which in the bulk is characterized by various children's processions.
Pink Monday
This holiday is considered to be the apogee of the whole carnival. Just note that its name has nothing to do with flowers, "rasen" in German means "race" or "rush". It is on this day that the noisiest and brightest carnival processions begin. The Germans themselves claim that everything is possible on this day, therefore, going out into the street, you should be prepared for literally everything. The holiday is striking in its incredible scale. Everywhere you look, people in absolutely unimaginable costumes walk around everywhere, so vivid and unusual that it is impossible to tear away enthusiastic looks from them.
In most cases, costumes for the carnival are prepared with their own hands, but any, even the most eccentric designer, would envy such a breadth of fantasy as the locals. Even the cars on this day are specially decorated, fabulous creatures travel around their rooftops, everyone around is shouting, laughing, singing in chorus and shouting greetings. Sweets and colored confetti are flying into the enthusiastic crowd from different directions. Everything around is so bright and changing so fast that it feels like you are looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. The impressions are really unforgettable, the whole city has fun, dances in dances and carefree walks through the streets. In some cities, this day is even considered a weekend, although unofficial.
Tuesday "before the post"
Great Lent is approaching, and hence the so-called Tuesday "before fasting, " or Faschingdienstag. On this day, you can buy and enjoy the taste of holiday donuts with sweet jam filling, which the Germans call Berliners, if you are lucky you will come across a “happy donut” filled with mustard or containing a coin inside. Buying a happy donut is considered a good omen. On this festive day, it is customary to drink special strong beer and eat up to the dump, which is not surprising, because this is the last opportunity to eat everything that the stomach requires - Lent is ahead.
Carnival ending
Bright colors and crowds of laughing people are slowly dispersing, the life of the country is moving into a more familiar channel. The carnival in Germany has come to an end, people are putting on fancy dresses and masks until next year and the new carnival. “Ash Wednesday”, or Aschermittwoch, marks the end of carnival fun and the beginning of fasting, which lasts for 40 days, after which the people celebrate Shrovetide.
