February is the month where people from different regions of Europe, mainly Germany and Sweden, celebrate the tradition of Karneval or carnival. This festive season is characterized by colorful parades, costumes, music, and traditional delicacies. Karneval is celebrated during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and ends on Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Lent begins. Known as Fasching in Germany and Mardi Gras in other parts of the world, this lively celebration is a time for people to let loose and party before the solemnity of Lent. While Karneval is predominantly a Catholic celebration, it is also celebrated in other parts of the world such as Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean. The origins of Karneval can be traced back to ancient Roman celebrations of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. The word Karneval comes from the Latin phrase ‘carne vale’ which means ‘goodbye to meat’. This is because during Lent, Catholics abstain from eating meat and indulge in the last days before the fast begins. Karneval dates vary each year depending on the region and are usually determined by the dates of Easter. In Cologne, Germany, Karneval begins on the 11th of November at 11:11 am and ends on Ash Wednesday. During Karneval, the city of Cologne is transformed into a sea of revelers in elaborate costumes and floats. The streets are filled with lively parades and loud music. Every day of Karneval has a theme, for example, Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival), Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), and Veilchensamstag (Violet Saturday). On Weiberfastnacht, women traditionally take over the city and cut off men’s ties as a symbol of tie cutting and women’s power. On Rosenmontag, the main parade takes place with magnificent floats and thousands of people dressed in colorful costumes, throwing sweets and kisses to the crowd. On Veilchensamstag, women’s rights are celebrated with a parade in the city of Elspe in Germany. Karneval is also an occasion where traditional dishes are enjoyed, such as Kölsche Kaviar (black pudding), Himmel un Ääd (heaven and earth), and Krapfen (German doughnuts). Karneval is not only celebrated by adults, but also by children, who dress up in colorful costumes and join in on the fun with their families. The celebration of Karneval is an important tradition that brings communities together and allows people to embrace their cultural heritage. While the dates of Karneval may vary each year, one thing remains constant – the joy and liveliness that can be seen in the streets during this festive season. 
February: Karneval (carnival – dates vary each year depending on the region)
