German
Fasching 2025 - A colorful spectacle of joy and tradition
Fasching, also known as Karneval or Fastnacht, is one of the most colorful and cheerful traditions in the German-speaking world. This exuberant festive season brings people together to chase away the winter and prepare for Lent. Humor, costumes, music and tradition combine to create a unique celebration that delights generations.
What is Fasching?
Carnival is traditionally referred to as the “fifth season” and officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. However, the peak phase of carnival takes place in the days before Ash Wednesday, usually with a climax on Rose Monday and Shrove Tuesday.
The origins of carnival go back a long way. Historically, the festival served as a time to celebrate before Lent. Nowadays, carnival is a cultural event characterized by creative costumes, humorous carnival speeches and cheerful parades.
Fasching in different regions
Fasching varies greatly depending on the region in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Each region has its own customs, events and highlights:
1st Bavaria: Fasching with traditional costumes
In Bavaria, carneval is often celebrated in conjunction with traditional dress. Especially in rural areas you can see participants in Dirndl, Lederhosen or masks from the carnival tradition.
Special feature: The “Maschkera”, hand-carved wooden masks, are a typical part of the Bavarian carnival.
2nd Rhineland: Carnival stronghold
Cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz are world-famous for their huge Rose Monday parades. The revelers parade through the streets with magnificent floats, lively carnival songs and “Kamelle” (sweets).
Tip: Dressing up is a must here - the more colorful, the better!
3rd Swabian and Alemannic carnival
In southern Germany and Switzerland, Alemannic carnival is deeply rooted in tradition. The revellers often wear elaborate wooden masks and historical costumes.
Highlight: The “Narrensprünge”, where costumed fools parade through the streets.
4th Austria: Vienna Carnival
In Wien steht der Fasching für Eleganz und Glamour. The famous Fasching balls in magnificent halls attract hundreds of people in evening dress every year.
Highlights and Events 2025
Munich carnival parade
Datum: March 2, 2025
Ort: Old Town Munich
Special feature: Here, traditional Bavarian costumes mingle with creative carnival costumes.
Fool's Leap in Rottweil
Datum: March 2, 2025
Ort: Rottweil, Baden-Württemberg
Special feature: The oldest carnival tradition in Germany with elaborate masks and traditional costumes.
Kölner Rosenmontagszug
Datum: March 3, 2025
Ort: Köln City Center
Special feature: The largest carnival parade in Europe with magnificent floats and hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Faschingsdienstag in Villach, Österreich
Datum: March 4, 2025
Ort: Villach city center
Special feature: The Villach Carnival is known for its humorous “sessions” and the traditional carnival parade.
Carnival and costumes: creativity and tradition
While modern carnival costumes often focus on current trends (superheroes, fairytale characters, animals), traditional costumes also play a central role in some regions. In Bavaria and the Black Forest in particular, dirndls, lederhosen and traditional masks are an integral part of carnival. They are a reminder of the historical roots of the festival and give it a regional identity.
Browse through our range and find the right outfit for you:
Why Fasching is unforgettable
Fasching is more than just a festival - it's a time when people forget the worries of everyday life and laugh, dance and celebrate together. Whether you enjoy the big parades, marvel at traditional masks or simply spend a sociable evening with friends: Fasching combines creativity, culture and joy like no other festival. Mark the dates in your calendar, pack your costume and be there when the fools take over the streets!
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