Every year in late February and early March, Germany is transformed before our eyes.The eve of Lent in Germany marks a long-awaited holiday - carnival.Different regions of Germany call it acts differently: Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval.Carnivals are not held throughout Germany, but only in its Catholic regions.Most popular this holiday on the banks of the River Rhine.It is well known are the festival in Dusseldorf, Mainz and Carnival in Cologne.Germany draws in this period a lot of people who are really hungry for fun.His paint, interesting costumes, songs, cheerful dances and processions are striking in their brightness, vitality and mood.
little history
first who began to hold carnivals were the Romans, they held grand celebrations in honor of Dionysos and Saturn.Carnival in Germany of its ancient history dates back to the times of the Germans, who celebrated the winter solstice, paying homage to the gods, and thus banishing evil spirits.Even the bans 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 has spread almost everywhere and gradually becomes official.Modern carnivals give locals and tourists a unique holiday atmosphere, reminiscent of the unique culture and traditions of the peoples of the country.Carnival in Germany - a tradition so old that it is sometimes called the 5th season.The country begins to prepare for the carnival, starting from November.The official beginning of the festivities is announced in advance - November 11, 11 hours and 11 minutes, this time is considered to be magical.
«Babi Carnival»
Carnival in February in Germany starts on Thursday.It is noteworthy that this holiday is celebrated only a person of the female sex."Babi Carnival" opens at 11:11.This means that the beginning of the main carnival in Germany.In German, the name sounds like Weiberfastnacht, and he has another name - "Silly Thursday" that is not accidental.The fact is that the number 11 (the start of the carnival) in the Middle Ages used to be considered stupid, because it is a cross between the number of commandments (10) and the number of the disciples of Jesus (12).On this festive day for the women of them, according to legends, have incredible power.To emphasize their superiority over men, women in the "Silly Thursday" dress up in costumes of all sorts of evil.Their main purpose - to catch as many men and cut their ties, which are considered a symbol of male power.
«of black Friday»
Do not even think to miss!Carnival in Germany is just beginning!Following the "Stupid Thursday" a wave of colors and fun in Germany looming next holiday - "of Black Friday» (rußiger Freitag).Carnival Friday without reason called "soot", the thing is to strengthen customary smear soot faces of people passing by.
«Fat Saturday" and "Sunday Tulip»
Then people met "Fat Saturday» (Schmalziger Samstag).On this day, traditionally thrown out of the refrigerator foods that contain too much fat.During Saturday's celebration should be "Tulip Sunday", which in most of the children has different processions.
«Pink Monday»
This holiday is considered to be the culmination of the entire carnival.Just note that the name has nothing to do with flowers, "rasen" in German means "race" or "rush".This day starts very noisy and colorful carnivals.The Germans themselves say that on this day everything is possible, therefore, leaving the street, you should be prepared to literally everything.Holiday impresses with its incredible scale.Everywhere you look, everywhere people are walking around in a totally unimaginable costumes of bright and unusual, that it is impossible to tear them enthusiastic views.
In most cases, carnival costumes for preparing own, however, this latitude of imagination, as the locals would have envied anyone, even the most eccentric designer.Even cars that day in a special decorated on their roofs touring fabulous creatures all around shout, laugh, sing the chorus and cheered.The enthusiastic crowd from all sides flying candy colored confetti.Everything is bright and changes so fast that it seems if you look at the world through a kaleidoscope.Impressions truly memorable, the whole city rejoiced, spinning dance and carefree walking through the streets.In some cities this day even considered weekends, though unofficial.
Tuesday "before Lent»
approaching Lent, and therefore the so-called Tuesday "before Lent", or Faschingdienstag.On this day, everywhere you can buy and enjoy the taste of the festive donuts with sweet filling of jam, which the Germans called "Berliner", if you're lucky, you find a "happy donut" stuffed with mustard or containing a coin inside.Buy Happy Donut considered a good omen.In this holiday special to drink strong beer and eating one's fill, which is not surprising, because this is the last opportunity to eat all that require stomach - ahead of Lent.
End carnival
Bright colors and a crowd of laughing people slowly dispersed, the life of the country becomes more normal.Carnival in Germany came to an end, people folded costumes and masks until next year and the new Carnival."Ash Wednesday" or Aschermittwoch, marks the end of carnival fun and the beginning of Lent, which lasts for 40 days, after which people celebrate Mardi Gras.
Carnival in Germany.Photos and impressions
If you fall once lucky chance to visit Germany during the carnival, do not miss it.One of the most vivid, colorful and cheerful holidays in the world - this is a carnival in Germany.Photos in the article, it is clearly demonstrated.Just visited this beautiful country and see carnivals with their own eyes, so to speak, from the inside, you can really feel all the atmosphere and mood of the holiday.It is impossible to fully convey in words all the delight and amazement felt by the people, located in the heart of the excited crowd when everywhere sounds joyous music, congratulations, and my head is spinning just from the colors and the variety of costumes.Come and join in the carnival in person and tell your friends about how to celebrate the German carnival.This is truly an unforgettable sight, the impressions of which will stay with you forever.
