The Carnival is a large street celebration that you don’t want to miss if you are in Germany or Austria in the  begining of February. Large caravans pass through the city center, giving kids popcorn and sweets, whie the spectators party and drink, all dressed up in funny characters. Be careful to take on warm clothes underneath the costume, though – it’s quite cold to spend hours on end outside.

I’ve taken part in a smaller Carnival, in the city of Bad Kreuznach, but I definitely recommend the one in Köln (Cologne).