SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Germany's biggest bash officially starts off on the 11 minute past the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, or 11:11p.m. Nov. 11.

Thousands of Fashing clubs throughout the country will start preparing events, costume-balls, parades and Fashing parties for the coming season in February.

The bigger German cities like Cologne, Duesseldorf, Mainz and Aachen, where Fashing plays a significant role, will be crowded with dressed-up visitors celebrating the beginning of the season.

Consumption of alcohol is involved with Fashing, especially during the Nov. 11 events, and police controls will be enforced. People should arrange for transportation, such as the train, after consuming alcohol at a celebration.