Carnival does not start until March 7th this year, quite a bit later than usual, but to give you time to prepare here are the latest German Culture articles, and both cover the crazy time that is: Karneval in Germany.

A 'Mardi Gras' in Germany

Karneval, Fastnacht, Fasching, Carnival in Germany, feasting, fun and organised chaos before Lent. While those who are not fans escape carnival areas where strangers embrace each other, bars make 40 percent of their annual earnings, and ‘The Fifth and Foolish Season’ takes over the city streets.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art18895.asp

And no German festival exists without its own special 'foodie' treat, which for Mardi Graa is Faschingskrapfen or Berliner, the Carnival Jelly Doughnut, and here is a recipe.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art13746.asp







germanculture.bellaonline.com has more articles that cover life and living in Germany, and a forum

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=247

so if you have any questions, comments or ideas for topics I look forward to hearing from you, either in the forum or in response to this email message.




Francine McKenna, German Culture Editor
http://germanculture.bellaonline.com