Karneval, Night of the Dead, Night of being Foolish and Wild.
The Prince of Karneval, "His Madness"
Culmination and biggest parade, Schoduvel, "Scaring away the Devil"
Karneval marks the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter or the 'darker half' of the year. It is when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld thins.
Festivals and events may also feature parody against the ruling class, but the emphasis in many regions is on traditional masks, and dressing up as devils, fools and wild beasts. In ancient times these figures and masks were part of an effort to drive out evil spirits in the dark of winter Some of the costume wearers use the same masks and costumes year after year, keeping them in the family for generations.
In some places, there are special carnival bonfires, or “burning of the straw man”. These bonfires, which usually take place on the street in front of pubs,
are a symbolic burning of any sins committed during Karneval.