Written by Gundi Huetter

As every year, the fifth season is about to begin in Germany. Comparable to Mardi Gras or the Carnival in Rio, it is just a big festival with people dressing up and dancing and singing on the street.

(Photo by http://www.reise-nach-italien.de/karneval-rhein.jpg)

It all starts on a Thursday the week before Ash Wednesday. This tradition once began to expel winter: People wore ugly masks and costumes to scare the spirits of winter away. Afterwards they celebrated with music, dancing and delicious food. This also is compared to Christian Lenten season, which starts about a weak later: people enjoyed their last lush meals before they had to abandon for the next 40 days.

Today it is more about the pure fun than about getting rid of evil spirits. On this certain Thursday, it begins with women gaining the mastery over men. To show their power, they cut off the men’s ties, so most of them do only wear really old and ugly ties that day. Some people dress up for work or school, but mostly it really starts in the evening. People go out because there are events almost anywhere and even though the next day they have to go to work, everyone celebrates boisterously.

It goes on like this for the next few days: kids dress up as princesses and cowboys, as witches and clowns or as fairies and supermen and just enjoy going out like this on the streets. In the afternoon there are events for the little ones with fun music and dancing and it is like a big birthday party. But during the night the older ones get to have their fun, too. No matter your age, it is a tradition to get dressed up and imagination knows no boundaries.

On Rose Monday and Tuesday, one can watch a lot of different pompous processions through the streets: again with a lot of music, dancing and singing while watching the parade passing by.

Usually there is also a ball on Monday night as a highlight and at the same time as an indication for the end of those cheerful days.

With people having to go back to work on Ash Wednesday again, there are only the memories and stories left to tell and to share with colleagues and friends. And almost everybody is already excited about next year’s fifth season here in Germany.

What do you think about this celebration? Would it be fun if it was somehow implemented in your town?

Tags: Ash Wednesday, Carnival in Rio, culture, fasting, Fat Tuesday, festivals, German traditions, Mardi Gras