Carnival in Mainz

Carnival season runs from November 11 at 11:11 am to Ash Wednesday. There are dozens of costume balls, parties, and political cabaret sessions during this period, but the heavy celebrating doesn’t begin until Weiberfastnacht, the Thursday preceding Ash Wednesday. The "fifth season" ends with a huge parade of colorful floats and marching bands through downtown on the Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), the Monday before Lent.

A visit to Mainz during carnival week isn't for the faint-hearted: Mainzers—and the half million or so visitors who come for the Rosenmontag parade—party nonstop all week in every corner of the town, so a quiet meal out or a gentle stroll to take in the sights simply isn't an option. If you're brave enough to throw yourself into the celebrations, however, carnival in Mainz is an experience not to be missed.