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Light in the dark

November 22, 2012

In Germany, people speak of winter as the time when the temperature sinks and the trees become bare. Still, at this time of year, people celebrate rituals that shine a bit of light amid the darkness of the grey season.

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Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Halloween and Karneval

There's reason to assume Germans are huge fans of the American celebration Halloween. During German Karneval, also called "Fasching", everyone dresses up in elaborate costumes and meets to celebrate together. The party's premise is to drive away evil spirits – and thoughts of bad weather.

Karneval in Mainz Karnevalsauftakt 2012
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Christmas and New Year's

Traditionally celebrated on December 24, Christmas is without a doubt the most important, and jovial, holiday there is in Germany. Advent season starts four weeks ahead of the big day. During this period, people visit Germany's numerous Christmas markets, bake cookies, decorate their homes and, last of all, put ornaments on their Christmas trees.

Straßburger Münster
Image: AFP/Getty Images

While people usually celebrate Christmas with family members, New Year's Eve is a big party with friends. Many bars, restaurants and hotels host special events. Of course, the absolute highlight of the night is the fireworks people light to welcome in the new year.

Berlin Silvester Feuerwerk Brandenburger Tor Quadriga Neujahr
Image: AP