German Culture Site
	Francine McKenna BellaOnline's German Culture Editor

Carnival in Cologne, Weiberfastnacht
Carnival in Germany began in ancient times, with masked Teutons making as much noise as possible to chase away the evil spirits of winter. And in the Cologne area it now begins with ´Weiberfastnacht´, where women take over the streets and no necktie is safe.

Carnival in Germany
It is known as Karneval, Fastnacht or Fasching depending upon the region, but the feasting, fun and organised chaos before Lent remain the same. While those who are not fans escape carnival areas where strangers embrace, bars make 40 percent of their annual earnings, and The Fifth and Foolish Season takes over city streets.

Carnival Jelly Donut Recipe
A festival is not a festival in Germany unless there is some type of favourite food involved, and for Karneval, Germany´s Mardi Gras, it is Faschingskrapfen or Berliner, the Carnival Jelly Donut.