Lifestyle

Fasching is now reaching its peak. Throughout the weekend, and on Rose Monday and Fat Tuesday, Fasching dances, fun sessions, masquerade balls and children’s parties will be held.

Thursday is one of the highlights of the Fasching season. “Altweiberfasching,” or old women’s Fasching, is a day specifically reserved for females and a day when men should beware of women.

The fifth season, Fasching is in full gear, and many Fasching parties and dances are scheduled to take place. The Westpfalz Police Headquarters in Kaiserslautern wants all motorists to make it through this time without any accidents or alcohol-related incidents.

Candy, balloons, flowers and stuffed animals covered tables at the Ramstein Community Center, ready to be bought by people in preparation to celebrate the day of love. Members of the 86th Force Support Squadron prepared hundreds of gift baskets for this year’s Cupid’s Valentine Gift Shop.

The next five and a half weeks is a special time in Germany — it’s for those who like to party, dress up in costumes, and play a different role than in normal day life. In Germany, this time of year is known as the “fifth season.” Depending on the area, this “crazy season” has different names. In the Pfalz, it’s called “Fassenacht” or “Fastnacht,” in Bavaria, it’s “Fasching,” and in the Cologne area, it’s “Karneval.”

The wine growing community of Freinsheim will sponsor its first event highlight of 2014: a red wine hike. The event under the motto “Fresh air, culinary specialties and fine red wines” is scheduled to take place Jan. 24 to 26.

Germans observe Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, Jan. 6. The day marks the end of the Christmas season. The Christmas tree is lit for the last time, discarded, and the ornaments are packed away until next Christmas.