A Rhineland specialty, the "fifth season" in Germany transforms Düsseldorf from a buzzing economic epicenter into a beer-soaked fool's paradise during Carnival. While the festivities officially commence in November, Carnival's three-day climax is likely the best time to see the city cut loose. Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), makes headlines with a huge parade. Meanwhile, the Altweiberfastnacht will astonish visitors, this tradition entails women taking over, or running all over, the city. On their way they steal sips off men's beer until they receive a kiss. Mwah! Afterward, men parade in women's clothing during the Tutenlauf. And all this occurs before people get really tipsy during the barhopping and dancing later that night at parties that last well into Fat Tuesday. The madness wraps up by Ash Wednesday when mourning fools burn the "Hoppeditz," an effigy of a jester that's celebrated with flair in November. That's when everyone says goodbye to crazy the antics until the next season begins. Everything about it is an "only in Düsseldorf" kind of party.

Written by  Jared.

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