Celebrating Fasching: Germany’s Fifth Season
Fasching parade in Talheim, Germany 2025
Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval (Mardi Gras), or Fasnet—depending on where you are in Germany—each name reflects a regional variation of this lively celebration. In Southern Germany and Austria, Fasching officially kicks off on November 11 and culminates on Ash Wednesday. It’s a time of vibrant parades and festive gatherings, offering a chance to break free from societal norms, embrace humor, and enjoy some lighthearted chaos before the traditional Christian Lent begins.
Fasching, or Karneval parade in Talheim, Germany 2025
Attending these parades is a family affair, where everyone, young and old, can dress up and join in the fun. Costumed parade-goers fill the streets, dancing, laughing, and letting loose. While the masks and outfits aren’t as eerie as those seen in a Perchten or Krampus run, you’ll still spot a few spooky faces in the mix. The parades remain kid-friendly, though teenagers—and plenty of adults—often take the festivities to a wilder level.
I wasn’t sure how my children would react to the scarier masks, but my son was completly into the parade from start to finish. He drummed along with the bands, eagerly snatched up candy tossed our way, and stood right by my side when my face was greased or witches strutted straight into my camera. We were showered with treats, including candy, garlic, flour, and even costume jewelry. Weeks later, I’m still finding little remnants of the parade tucked into the stroller and hidden in jacket pockets—a lasting reminder of an unforgettable celebration.
Tips for Attending a Fasching Parade
1) Arrive early and settle into a spot along the parade route. If you have kids, try to find a location near a restroom. If you don’t want your face marked with a grease pen or your hat stolen from you, don’t stand directly in the front row; parade participants will mess with you.
2) Dress up! If you want to blend in, break out a costume.
3) Know that the parades are kid-friendly, but there is a lot of drinking and craziness from people attending the parades.
4) If you have younger kids, bring a bag or a way for them to collect candy, which will be handed out.
5) Bring cash for the food and drink vendors set up.
Fashing parade, Talheim, Germany 2025
You can find the upcoming dates for some of the events below:
There is a drop-down for the the different weekends, and you will need to translate the site into English for the first two links.
https://www.schwaebisch-alemannische-fasnet.com/narrentreffen-2025/6-wochenende/
https://www.gesellschaft-moebelwagen.de/index.php Stuttgart’s parade is March 4, 2025 14:00-17:00 downtown.
https://www.cologne-tourism.com/experiences-lifestyle/carnival
https://www.muenchen.de/en/events/carnival-2025-munich-canceled
Unfortunately, due to the recent attack in Munich, they have cancelled their parade for 2025.
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