Berlinale | Berlin Marathon | Loveparade | Carnival

Foto: KölnTourismus Office, Inge Decker		Carnival in Berlin
		In Berlin, as in Germany in general, Mardi Gras ('Fasching') is also known as the fifth and foolish season ('die närrische Zeit'). It is a time of elaborate parades, masks, balls and the election of the Carnival king and queen and officially sanctioned madness. While Berlin isn't exactly Germany's capital of 'Fasching' activities, it's still fun to be there! Berlin is proud of its Mardi Gras greeting: "Berlin Heijo" or "Berlin Hei-Jo". Carnival season in general starts on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. and lasts till Ash Wednesday. The exact time of the celebrations and the traditions vary from county to county, but it generally takes place in early spring. Munich, Cologne and Mainz are centrepieces of the Mardi Gras celebrations. Switzerland and Austria, also join in the party with enthusiasm whilst following their own traditions.