Fasnet
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Fasnet
In the south of Germany, especially in the region of the Black Forest, the season between November and February is known as Fasching or Fasnet / Fastnacht. Here the parades are not predominantly made up of clowns and fools. Instead there are witches and trolls. This goes back to Fasching's pagan roots, as the old purpose of the festival was to chase away the spirits of winter. The Black Forest region is famous for its colorful handcarved, sometimes frightening masks. These are in the likeness of sorcerers, animals and ancient mystic creatures, such as the Greenman (a druidic forest dweller). Most of them belong to established Fasching-clubs and are not easy to purchase.
