Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

A man marches through a parade during Fasching, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. The Fasching season begins on Nov. 11 and ends on Shroud Tuesday ― often referred to as Fat Tuesday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew S. Husemann, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, receives a medal from the Fasching princess in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. As part of Fasching tradition, first-time participants in the festival receive a medal as well as a kiss on the cheek from the Fasching princess during the festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

Ralf Hechler, Ramstein-Miesenbach union community mayor, speaks during Fasching, a festival held across Europe, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. Fasching is a day for citizens to express themselves, celebrate and break the rules. In Germany, particularly in the Rheinland area, the tradition can be traced back to medieval times when people lived under harsh rules. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

Women pose for a photo during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. Fasching, a festival held across Europe, is a derivation of the German word fasctenschank, which refers to the last serving of alcohol before Lent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

A member of the United States Air Force in Europe - Air Forces Africa band plays a clarinet during Fasching, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. The first celebration of Fasching, or Karneval, was held in 1341 in Koln, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

Men throw candy during a Fasching parade in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. In the Middle Ages, Fasching, or Karneval, gave people a break from the class system, allowing them to hide their social background behind masks and costumes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

People pose for a photo during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. Origins of Fasching can be attributed to Pagan times when people used celebrations to drive out the evil spirits of winter and encourage the coming of spring and good crops. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

A man fires off a confetti cannon during a Fasching parade in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. Fasching is also referred to as Karneval and Fastnacht in other German-speaking countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

Ralf Hechler, Ramstein-Miesenbach union community mayor, holds a jester as part of a Fasching parade in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. People of all ages and backgrounds come together during Fasching, a festival held throughout Europe, to celebrate the coming of warmer weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

People watch as performers drive by during a Fasching parade in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. Fasching, a festival held across Europe, is similar to Mardi Gras festivals in the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

People march through the parade during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. Origins of Fasching can be attributed to Pagan times when people used celebrations to drive out the evil spirits of winter and encourage the coming of spring and good crops. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

People participate in a parade during Fasching in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Feb. 25, 2020. In the Middle Ages, Fasching, or Karneval, gave people a break from the class system, allowing them to hide their social background behind masks and costumes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater)

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Ramstein-Miesenbach celebrates Fasching

Published Feb. 27, 2020
By Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, Germany --

Ramstein-Miesenbach citizens came together to celebrate Fasching Feb. 25, 2020. Fasching is a day for citizens to express themselves, celebrate and break the rules. In Germany, particularly in the Rheinland area, the tradition can be traced back to medieval times when people lived under harsh rules.