Karneval is an annual festival celebrated in Germany and other parts of Europe before Lent. The tradition started in the Middle Ages as a way to scare away the ghosts of winter and marks the beginning of Lent. Key cities that celebrate Karneval include Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Mainz. Festivities generally begin on 11/11 at 11:11pm and last until Ash Wednesday. During Karneval, people enjoy parties, parades, balls and dress up in costumes.

1. Karneval BY JOANNA, CHERYL & ZAHRAA 6CC 2009

2. THE HISTORY OF KARNEVAL Karneval started many years ago, before Christianity, in the Middle Ages. First written record of a Koln Karneval was in 1341. How ever , in the Nazi times people were not allowed to celebrate this festivity. People made scary masks to scare the Ghosts of Winter away. It marks the beginning of Lent. The word “Karneval” is derived from Latin, meaning “Farewell to meat” or “ put aside the flesh” and things related to meat. The symbol of Karneval is the Jester, who is allowed to(safely) make fun of royalty.

4. Cologne

5. Dusseldorf

6. Mainz

7. Munich

8. MuensterYou can also celebrate Karneval in Austria, India, France and Italy.

9. WHEN IS KARNEVAL HELD??? Karneval is all about the number, 11. It starts on the 11/11 at 11:11pm every year. The actual festivities start on the 30th of January and finishes on the 22nd – Ash Wednesday.

10. WHAT DO PEOPLE DO DURING KARNEVAL??? Karneval is a very festive time of the year. People have and hold parties, parades and balls. People dress in fancy costumes and make masks and most important..................HAVE FUN!!!!

12. Fassenacht

13. Fastnacht

14. Fasnet

15. Fasteleer

16. Fastelofvend