Fasching in Breitenbrunn, Germany

We finally witnessed today a Fasching or Carnival in Breitenbrunn, a small town in Neumarkt. My husband read about it in the weekend newspaper. We decided to go there at the last minute. I guess sometimes it is better for us to make a quick decision to go somewhere that planning it ahead. We already woke-up late today. After we ate our brunch, we hurried-up driving to Breitenbrunn since we still don't know if the park place is near or far.

Last year, we witnessed the Fasching in Dietfurth. It is always a Chinese Fasching/Carnival there. It was held this year last Thursday, Jan. 31. I read in the Newspaper that around 10,000 people from different places were there just to witness this fascinating Carnival. They usually have more than 50 groups of participants compared in Breitenbrunn who only have around 20 groups.
We enjoyed seeing the different customes and street dancing during the parade. That was really nice. As usual, I am sharing with you again the photos I took during the parade..You can also see more photos here and here.

Carnival is a festival season. It occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February or March. It typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations.

Carnival is mostly associated with Roman Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox Christians; Protestant areas usually do not have carnival celebrations or have modified traditions, like the Danish Carnival. The world's largest carnival celebration is held in Brazil but many countries worldwide have large, popular celebrations, such as Carnival of Venice.

Length and individual holidays:

Depending on the area, the carnival may last from a few weeks to several months. While its starting day varies, it usually ends on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. In the Ambrosian rite of Milan (Italy), the carnival ends on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday, and in the area of Eastern Christianity, it ends on the Sunday seven weeks before Easter, since in Eastern tradition lent begins on Clean Monday.

Most commonly the season begins on Septuagesima, the third Sunday before Ash Wednesday, but in some places it starts as early as Twelfth Night or even in November. The most important celebrations are generally concentrated during the last days of the season.

The following holidays, which are all part of the seven days before Ash Wednesday, often have special customs:

• Quinquagesima, the Sunday, when often a break from the festivities occurs;
• Shrove Monday or Lundi Gras or Rosenmontag, in many areas the high point of the festivities;
• Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) or Fastnacht, the high point of the festivities when, according to many traditions, preparations for the parties are made, such as baking goods.