Munich Carnival or 'Fasching' takes place before Lent, which is often referred to as the country's 'Fifth Season' or 'Season of Fools', when it is traditional for Germans to let their hair down and have a good time before the fasting of Lent begins. The first Fasching Ball in Munich dates back to 1829; the tradition stuck and each year the celebrations got a little bigger and more spectacular. In 1839 an official body was set up, the Munich Carnival Society, to organise the annual celebrations. There are literally thousands of events ranging from fancy-dress parties through to extravagant balls where guests dress in their finest outfits. One of the biggest events of the season is Mad Munich ('Munchen Harrisch') on the last Sunday before Shrove Tuesday. During the celebrations thousands of dancers and revellers in fancy dress make their way through the streets to Marienplatz where there are several stages as well as numerous food and drink stalls.

Times
Various.