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German Karneval Mardi Gras or Carnival (Karneval) goes by a lot of different names: Fasching, Fastnacht, and Fassenacht. But it all means one thing fun! Germans consider this time “the fifth season” of the year, and it starts on November 11, or specifically, on 11.11 at 11:11 am. Mardi Gras, German Style. Different Traditions, Different Dates There are three different main words in German for “Carnival” or “Mardi Gras”: Karneval, Fasching and Fastnacht. Although all three refer to the same pre-Lenten observance, each has a different tradition and reflects somewhat different customs in different regions of the The most famous dessert are the homemade German doughnuts. Recipes for finger food like a decorative hedgehog with curry meat balls are also one of the many choices. The right music to get into the mood is very important too. After all it’s about German Mardi Gras traditions. An ultimate playlist provides 44 classic songs for Carneval or What is German Carnival or Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval? Fasching is a traditional German celebration, also known as Karneval or Fastnacht. It is carnival season, which has been celebrated for centuries by people worldwide with German heritage. It was a festival that originated in the cities, most notably Mainz and Speyer. Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval, whatever you want to call this Pre-Lenten observance, is Germany’s version of Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Carnival that dates back to the Medieval Ages. In the United States, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras is a huge celebration in New Orleans, a festivity right before the start of the first day of Lent (Ash Wednesday The festivities of Karneval (or Fasching) date back to the Middle Ages.The word Karneval stems from the Latin “carne vale” (without meat) and is the European relative of the Mardi Gras tradition of eating, drinking and merriment before the fasting season. Germany celebrates Carnival with three different terms—Karneval, Fasching, and Fastnacht—each rooted in unique regional traditions. These festivities, held before Lent, are filled with parties, parades, and costumes, symbolizing the banishment of winter and a burst of merriment. Dating back centurie While Fasching is deeply rooted in German traditions, the United States boasts its own vibrant celebrations with organizations like GAMGA (German American Mardi Gras Association) playing a key role. GAMGA brings the spirit of Fasching to American shores, organizing lively events that mirror the exuberance of the German carnival season. Plan the ultimate Fasching, Fastnacht, or Karneval experience in Germany with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the best parades, key event dates, travel tips, traditional foods, cultural etiquette, and essential packing advice to fully enjoy the festivities. Whether you're heading to Cologne, Mainz, Düsseldorf, or a Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet town, this guide has everything you need to Much like Mardi Gras, parade participants throw sweets into the crowd. Online sources abound with information about Fasching, which is said can be traced back to pagan times as a tradition to drive out the winter and ghosts of darkness who are losing their powers as the country warms up in spring. Depending on what region in Germany are you in, you may hear different words or phrases to what the locals call the Mardi Gras season. In the South in the Swabian region, Fastnacht is based on traditions and folklore. In Bavaria, Fasching is full of fun, parades, and plenty of costumes. The identity of Rex, the king of Mardi Gras, is kept secret until Lundi Gras (the day before Mardi Gras), and only those within certain social circles receive invitations to the lavish Rex Ball. Le Krewe d’État (Founded 1996) – A newer krewe that upholds the secrecy and satire of traditional Mardi Gras, d’État is known for its What Is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, the German celebration includes parades, costume balls and a In German Mardi Gras traditions, who is Hoppeditz? A folkloric fool whose “awakening” marks the start of the carnival season. Which Italian Mardi Gras tradition features a historical “Battle of Oranges”? The carnival in Ivrea. What does the Czech word “Masopust” literally translate to in English? Meat-fast Essential Mardi Gras Traditions You Can’t Miss. Mardi Gras is a colorful mix of cultural experiences that unite people in amazing ways. It happens in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. These activities make memories that last a lifetime for everyone involved. Traditional Parade Customs. Mardi gras parades are the core of the carnival Below you’ll find a great collection of German Mardi gras music for your Mardi Gras (Fasching) celebration. It’s a 44-song playlist that spans generations and offers a variety of styles. Simply click the titles to listen to samples, and if you wish, purchase. Enjoy, Oma. OMA’S GERMAN MARDI GRAS MUSIC PUT TOGETHER IN A PLAYLIST WITH 44 Carnival – Mardi Gras (Fasching and Karneval) – The Lenten season officially begins in November at 11 minutes past the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, but the date for (Fasching (Austria, southern Germany, Switzerland) or Karneval (the Rhineland, northern Germany) depends on Easter and the 40 days of Lent. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, pre-lenten festivities are known as Fasching, Fastnacht or Karneval, depending on the region. While each area has its own traditions and rituals, Fasching is primarily celebrated in Southwest Germany. One of the constants in every celebration in Germany, as well as those around the world, is that masks are worn. In Germany, this Fat Tuesday festival is called Karneval, Fasnacht or, in southern Germany, from which the first Ulmers came, Fasching. Like Mardi Gras, it mixes ancient pagan rituals with Lenten traditions, which makes it particularly apt in New Ulm. Although each name refers to religious-based celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday (similar to Mardi Gras), the terms are actually not interchangeable. Each name represents different traditions, history and regions throughout Germany. The broad term, “carnival" refers to the Catholic traditions of religious observance leading up to Easter.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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