"Fasching", "Fasnacht" or "Karneval" are all terms used to describe carnival, an ancient tradition which is celebrated all over Germany but particularly in the Rhineland and in the strongly Catholic regions of Germany. Mainz, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn are hotspots of carnival fun. In southern Germany the traditional Alemannic Fasnet is celebrated. The "fifth season" of Carnival begins on November 11 and ends on Ash Wednesday, each year. Carnival season reaches its peak during the week from "schmutziger Donnerstag" (literally: "dirty Thursday") to Ash Wednesday. There are major street processions on the Monday of that week, known as Rosenmontag or Carnival Monday. People dress up in humorous costumes or in traditional dress and masks, and join in processions and street festivals. The tradition stems back from the ancient custom of driving out winter. Read more...
Fairs
Between spring and autumn there are lots of fairs and festivals throughout the whole of Germany. Held on traditional festival grounds or in the streets of cities and towns, some last for a weekend while others last for a whole week or even longer. Entertainment includes a range of fairground stalls, carousels, rollercoasters, and other fun rides. Food stands offer snacks and sweet treats. There is often live music on open-air stages or in marquees. The Kirchweih or Kirmes (also known as Kerb, Kirb, Kier, Kerwe, Kerwa or Kerms) is a town fair that has its origins in a religious festival to celebrate the consecration of a Christian church. In rural areas the Kirchweih is still an important village institution. There are processions, and young men from the local area erect the maypole-like Kirchweihbaum.
Wine festivals
Wine festivals are held in many of Germany's wine-growing regions between May and November. Particularly along the Rhine and the Moselle, in Baden, Palatinate and along the river Main, wine-growers' cooperatives and representatives of wine-growing estates set up their stalls in public spaces and sell their wines by the glass. Local specialities are also served. The festivals usually also involve live music and, in many places, the crowning of the Wine Queen. Read more...
Oktoberfest
Germany's best-known festival is the Munich Beer Festival, also known as the "Oktoberfest" and the "Wiesn". The festival has a 200 year old tradition - dating back to 1810 when a celebration for King Ludwig's and Princess Therese wedding took place on the "Theresienwiese". Today more than six million visitors flock to this fairground every year to drink beer from large steins and eat pork sausages and pretzels. The enormous fairground site also has carousels, rollercoasters and other spectacular rides on offer. The festival program includes a grand parade of brewers with huge beer barrels on their horse-drawn carriages, the traditional costume parade and a concert featuring all the brass bands performing at the festival. Many of the locals, young and old alike, wear traditional costumes such as Dirndl-dresses and Lederhosn when they visit the Oktoberfest. Read more...
Christmas markets
Christmas markets are held in many towns and cities from the end of November through Christmas or New Year's. Their unique ambience is guaranteed to put visitors in the festive spirit of the holidays. Interspersed with the stalls selling Christmas decorations, candles, jewellery, toys and other Christmas gifts are food stands where you can taste typical specialities such as mulled wine, spiced bread, gingerbread, hot chestnuts and roasted almonds. Read more...
