After Rose Monday, there is Shrove Tuesday, or Karnevalsdienstag, which marks the last day of the season of Carnival, also the last day before Lent. Carnival fans in other parts of the world know this day not as Shrove Tuesday, but as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras.
In Southwest Germany along the border of France and Switzerland, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Western Bavaria, their Carnival begins on January 6, Three Kings’ Day, and is called Allemannische Fastnacht. This area has costumes of dark ghosts that represent the cold season; they are contrasted with colorful and bright spirits of spring and the warm growing season that the farmers are looking forward to.
Then, Ash Wednesday follows and all semblances of silliness and fools are brought to a close. Lent begins, and the days of repentance and fasting follow.
One of the best features of most German Holidays is always the abundance of food and drink. Along with all of the parades and fun parties and activities, there are always street vendors with yummy eats on every corner.
There are pretzels, Bratwurst, and Krapfen—German donuts. There is also Rosehip Jam, which is sometimes used to sweeten the pastries. And of course, we cannot forget the hot-spiced Glühwein! How else can we stay warm during this time of year!
