Germany Events and Festivals

2/19/2010 - 2/25/2010Carnival (Fassenacht)

Also known as 'Fastnach', the Mainz version of carnival is just a little bit different to carnival in other parts of Germany. Different, but it's just as big and boisterous. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main Rivers, the influential and historic city of Mainz hosts a carnival which begins on New Year's Day, with a procession of Carnival regiments through the centre. The main events, though, come during the 'Crazy Days' leading up to and just after Carnival Monday. Carnival in Mainz has its roots in the political injustices of the past and the uniforms of many traditional Carnival clubs still imitate and caricature the antique uniforms of the French and Prussian troops. Carnival in Rhineland cities also traditionally devotes a day to women, usually on the Thursday. 'Weiber-Fastnacht' is when ladies have the right to kiss, or to cut off the tie, of any man they can grab. The usual election of Carnival king and queen take place, along with elaborate parades, masked balls and general abandonment. The climax is the Rosenmontagszug procession on Monday, when thousands of costumed participants and dozens of orchestras weave their way through the old streets of the city centre.