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SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Local schoolchildren dance in the marktplatz as a band plays traditional fasching music at Weiberdonnerstag (Women’s Thursday) in Wittlich, Jan. 31, 2008. Fasching is a time for celebration before the start of Lent and Weiberdonnerstag is the official start of the carnival-like festival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew S. Bright)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Following the festivities of Weiberdonnerstag (Women’s Thursday) Lt. Col. Kevin Bennett, 52nd Communications Squadron commander, and the honorary Mayor of Wittlich, is spoon-fed ham and bean stew alongside Albert Klein, deputy Burgermeister, Jan. 31, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew S. Bright)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Lt. Col. Kevin Bennett, 52nd Communications Squadron commander, and the honorary Mayor of Wittlich, has one of his ties cut by a Wittlich matron during the Weiberdonnerstag (Women’s Thursday) festival, Jan. 31, 2008. In accordance with tradition, women cut the ties of men taken captive during the Weiberdonnerstag party, taking away their power for the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew S. Bright)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Children wrestle elbow to elbow for sweets thrown from the Rathaus windows during Weiberdonnerstag (Women’s Thursday) festival in Wittlich, Jan. 31, 2008. As part of the Weiberdonnerstag traditions, the women of German cities throw treats to local children after seizing control of the keys to the city and taking the Burgermeister captive. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew S. Bright)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Wittlich citizens watch and cheer as Theresia Schwab, a city matron, climbs a ladder to the second floor of the Rathaus, Jan. 31, 2008. In accordance with the traditions of Weiberdonnerstag (Women’s Thursday) which is held every year on the Thursday that begins the fasching season; after climbing through the town hall window, the women steal the keys to the city and take the Burgermeister, (mayor), hostage thereby taking control of the city for the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew S. Bright)