MNN - Mother Nature Network

The carnival jester 'Bajazz' leads the Herbsteiner Springerzug (literally "jumping parade") on Feb. 11 in Herbstein, Germany. The Springerzug is a carnival tradition particular to Herbstein that is organized to celebrate Rose Monday, a day of free-spirited merrymaking before the beginning of Lent.

 

Although Fat Tuesday is the most well-known carnival day by many observers around the world, in towns and cities in west Germany, it is actually Monday that is the primary day of gluttony and debauchery.

 

Men dressed in traditional dirndls prance and jump through the streets while holding festive umbrellas on Feb. 11 during the Springerzug carnival parade in Herbstein.

 

A carnival reveler covered in blue face-paint wears funky glasses and an elaborate headdress on Feb. 11 during the Springerzug carnival parade in Herbstein.

 

Girls in deep red outfits link arms and march in the Springerzug carnival parade on Feb. 11 in Herbstein.

 

Carnival revelers wear elderly face masks on Feb. 11 while participating in the Herbsteiner Springerzug carnival parade in Herbstein.