Fasching begins at 11 minutes after 11 a.m. on November 11 and lasts until Ash Wednesday, marking a festive season in Germany and other German-speaking countries before Lent. Known regionally as 'Karneval' or 'Fastnacht,' Fasching features a variety of celebrations that include noisy parades, plays, masked balls, and satirical performances. The festival has historical roots dating back to the 13th Century, particularly in cities like Mainz, Speyer, and Cologne. Customs include the women’s carnival, or 'Weiberfastnacht,' where women dress in costumes and playfully cut off men's ties, followed by a cheek kiss. Rose Monday features a four-mile parade with participants dressed as witches, clowns, or wizards. The celebrations peak on Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, with grand parades in cities worldwide, including Venice, Rio de Janeiro, and New Orleans, before the fasting season begins.