The festive season is over, life is mirrored by weather, a bit colder, perhaps feeling a little emptier, and yes it is on its way but nevertheless spring still seems a long way off.

However in Germany preparations are already underway for the �Fifth Season�.

Karneval, Fastnacht and Fasching, the German festival of �foolishness� that paves the way for Lent, but as a ritual to drive away evil spirits before the arrival of spring and the planting season has been celebrated since pagan times, is a bit later than usual this year, nevertheless some of the 'partying' has been taking place already since Epiphany.

Over the centuries it has had a secondary use too, during times of religious or civil occupation it was used to mock the authorities in power. And this is something that it does still, often very effectively.


A 'Mardi Gras' in Germany

Faschingskrapfen, A Carnival Jelly Doughnut Recipe