Fasching is a very big and important celebration in Germany and some other countries. Fasching is a “season” that begins on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 AM or 1111 hours in European time. The “season” lasts up until the Lenten period which begins on Ash Wednesday, where fasting for 40 days has been a long tradition. Ash Wednesday usually occurs in February or early March (46 days before Easter). The 40-day period is a reference to the time Jesus spent being tempted in the desert.
The big shebang is the Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) carnival parades and other fun activities that usually go on for a week at many different venues. COVID has cancelled many of the celebrations and parades recently but should ramp up again in the near future.
Germany supposedly began celebrating Fasching carnivals in Koln (Cologne) in the year 1341. My photos are from the Heidelberg parade/carnival which rolls down the Hauptstrasse (Main Street) and lasts about two hours. Advice is to wear some kind of headgear when squeezing in the narrow street edges with the packed crowds. This is due to the fact that many float riders throw hard candy and other things high in the air and can sting somewhat if you are struck on the head. Also, residents in the high up apartments and rooftops lining the street will also toss hard candy for the children to scoop up. Some spectators along with the parade members dress up in fantastic costumes and photo ops abound.
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