Traditional German festival customs

Carnival and Carnival (starting on November 11)"Carnival Fasching","Fasnacht" or "Carnival Karneval" is an ancient custom that is mainly prevalent in the Rhine region of Germany and areas inhabited by Catholics. The main venues for Carnival are Mainz, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Bonn. The traditional Aleman Carnival (Fasnet) is held in southern Germany. Carnival is the "fifth season" for local people. It starts on November 11 and ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch). The climax of the carnival is the week from "Dirty Thursday (Schmutziger Donnerstag)" to Ash Wednesday. Rose Monday held a grand parade along the street. People dressed in exotic or traditional costumes and various masks took to the streets to join the parade. The tradition of Carnival originated from the past custom of German farmers to expel severe winter and usher in spring.