1. Fasching Karneval

2. A celebration known as the crazy days in Germany It gives everyone a chance to be equal because everyone wears masks and costumes. In older times, it was a chance for lower class to mingle with the upper class. They dressed as knights, damsels, and even priests!

3. Karneval Now all people have a chance to “take over” and mock the authority figures with costumes and masks. Celebrated around the Christian season of Lent. Main celebrations take place in the Catholic areas of Germany.

4. Karneval 2011 Karneval begann am Samstag den 11.11.2010 In some cities, the youth do not have school and they run down to the Rathaus to take the “key” to the city. The planning begins for others on this day.

5. Karneval 2011 Weiberfastnacht – Donnerstag den 3. 3. 2011 An unofficial holiday celebrated all over Rhineland.

7. Karneval – Weiberfastnacht There are no parades, but it is celebrated in the streets and bars. Frauen schneiden die Krawatte den Männer ab. (Women cut off the ties of men and they are left with just a Krawattenstumpf.) In some towns, the women “take over” the Rathaus.

9. Karneval - Weiberfastnacht Warum eine Krawatte? It is a symbol of men’s power and symbolizes the “taking over” of authority. Which men are the main targets? Usually higher political figures, colleagues, or any man with a tie.

10. Karneval Rosenmontag Montag den 7. March 2011 This is the day of parades. Elaborately decorated floats Costumes Candy Singing Mariechen – areobatic dancers

11. Karneval - Rosenmontag Main parts: The Karnival Prinz voted on by the city citizens. The Jungfrau symbolizes Köln’s inaccessibility to enemy forces because they never managed to break through the city walls.  Played by a man because the costume is sooo heavy. The Bauer symbolizes the old free city’s ability to defend itself. These three are known as the Dreigeistern

13. Karneval - Rosenmontag Costumes devils, clowns, witches, vikings, fruit, animals, and more Who celebrates? EVERYONE!!! Games, Food, Musik!

17. Karneval Karnevaldienstag / Fastnachtsdienstag – Dienstag den 8. 3. 2011 The last day before Lent begins What is it called in English?  Fat Tuesday In French?  Mardi Gras What kinds of traditions happen on this day?

19. Karneval - Karnevaldienstag Eat Dance Costumes Street Carnivals Some parades People gorge themselves with everything they cannot have for the next 40 days.

21. Karneval Aschermittwoch – Mittwoch den 9. 3. 2011 First day of Lent What is Lent? A Christian celebration First day of giving up unnecessary possessions or habits, or dedication to the betterment of others and self.