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Fasching

Let loose and embrace the fun-filled traditions of Fasching, Germany's carnival season filled with costumes, parades, and delicious treats!

Sunday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFebruary 28

OBSERVED INGermany

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to put on your best costume and join in the festivities of Fasching on February 28! This German celebration, also known as Karneval or Fastnacht, is a time for parades, parties, and indulging in delicious foods before the start of Lent. The tradition dates back to medieval times when people would dress up and participate in wild celebrations before the somber period of fasting and reflection. Today, Fasching is celebrated all over Germany with colorful costumes, lively music, and plenty of delicious treats like doughnuts and pastries. So let's get ready to dance, sing, and have a blast on this exciting holiday!

TIMELINE

Fasching Timeline

Fasching Begins

Fasching, also known as Karneval, has its origins in the 13th Century, evolving from pagan springtime celebrations and fertility rites.

Christian Influence

By the 17th Century, Fasching had fully developed as a pre-Lenten celebration with Christian influences.

Traditional Masks

Traditional wooden masks gained popularity during Fasching processions in the 19th Century, a custom that still prevails today.

Cologne Carnival Post-WWII

The Carnival celebrations in Cologne, one of the most famous Fasching celebrations, restarted in 1949 following World War II.

Rose Monday Expansion

Cologne's Fasching parade on Rose Monday extended to a route of 6.7 km, becoming one of the largest in Germany.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Fasching

Dress up in a costume

Fasching is all about fun and festivities, so why not embrace the spirit by dressing up in a colorful and creative costume? You can go for traditional German attire or get creative with your own unique costume.

ATTEND

Attend a parade

Many cities and towns in Germany have Fasching parades, filled with colorful floats, costumes, and lively music. Check out if there is a parade happening near you and join in on the fun!

HOST

Host a Fasching party

Gather your friends and family for a Fasching party! Decorate your home with colorful streamers and balloons, serve traditional German food and drinks, and play games like "musical chairs" or "pin the tail on the donkey".

MAKE

Make Fasching treats

Get creative in the kitchen and make some traditional Fasching treats like Krapfen (jam-filled donuts), Pretzels, or Berliner Pfannkuchen (a type of German pastry). You can also try your hand at making traditional Fasching costumes out of gingerbread cookies.

LEARN

Learn about Fasching traditions

Take the time to learn about the history and traditions of Fasching. You can read up on it online or visit a museum to learn more about this festive holiday. Understanding the background of Fasching will make your celebrations even more meaningful.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Fasching is Important

It celebrates the coming of spring

Fasching typically takes place during the Carnival season, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This symbolizes new beginnings and rejuvenation, making Fasching an important cultural event for many people.

It's a traditional German festival

Fasching is an annual celebration that originated in Germany and is still widely celebrated there today. It is deeply rooted in German culture and holds significant meaning for those who celebrate it.

It's a time to let loose and have fun

Fasching is known for its vibrant costumes, parades, and parties - giving people an opportunity to take a break from their daily lives and simply enjoy themselves. It's a time to forget about worries and responsibilities, and just embrace the festive spirit!