In Germany, Mardi Gras ('Fasching')
is also known as the fifth and foolish season ('die närrische
Zeit'). It is a time of elaborate parades, masks, balls and
the election of the Carnival king and queen and officially sanctioned
madness.
The exact time of the celebrations and the traditions vary from
county to county, but it generally takes place in early spring.
Munich, Cologne and Mainz are centrepieces of the Mardi Gras
celebrations.
Switzerland and Austria,
also join in the party with enthusiasm whilst following their
own traditions.
