Women pose for a photo during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. Fasching, a festival held across Europe, is a derivation of the German word fastenschank, which refers to the last serving of alcohol before Lent.
Men throw candy during a Fasching parade in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. In the Middle Ages, Fasching, or Karneval, gave people a break from the class system, allowing them to hide their social background behind masks and costumes.
U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew S. Husemann, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, receives a medal from the Fasching princess in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. As part of Fasching tradition, first-time participants in the festival receive a medal as well as a kiss on the cheek from the Fasching princess.
People march through the parade during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. Origins of Fasching can be attributed to pagan times when people used celebrations to drive out the evil spirits of winter and encourage the coming of spring and good crops.
A member of the United States Air Force in Europe-Air Forces Africa band plays a clarinet during Fasching, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. The first celebration of Fasching, or Karneval, was held in 1341 in Cologne, Germany.
People pose for a photo during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. Origins of Fasching can be attributed to pagan times when people used celebrations to drive out the evil spirits of winter and encourage the coming of spring and good crops.
Ralf Hechler, Ramstein-Miesenbach union community mayor, speaks during Fasching, a festival held across Europe, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. Fasching is a day for citizens to express themselves, celebrate and break the rules. In Germany, particularly in the Rheinland (Cologne) area, the tradition can be traced back to medieval times when people lived under harsh rules.
People pose for a photo during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. Origins of Fasching can be attributed to pagan times when people used celebrations to drive out the evil spirits of winter and encourage the coming of spring and good crops.
Ralf Hechler, Ramstein-Miesenbach union community mayor, holds a jester as part of a Fasching parade in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Feb. 25. People of all ages and backgrounds come together during Fasching, a festival held throughout Europe, to celebrate the coming of warmer weather.
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