Fasching, Germany’s “foolish season"
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- German musicians perform in costume during Fastnacht at a local parade in 2010. Fastnacht, or Fasching, is Germany’s “foolish season,” a celebration similar to Mardi Gras. It officially starts at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11. Many celebrations happen at this hour throughout the country. But, the November schedule is limited to speeches, plays and a toast to the prince and princess Fasching. As the New Year comes around, Fasching lasts an entire week. Fasching clubs will host costume balls, dances and “Kappensitzungen,” fun sessions, with all events starting off 11 minutes past the 11th hour. To find out information about what’s going on in the Eifel area, visit http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/thesaberherald.asp. (U.S. Air Force photo/Iris Reiff)