The 12th in the Insider's Tips for Auslaender series, which focuses on ways to make the most of your tour in Bavaria. Look for articles with this tag and if you have tips or suggestions, email bavariannews@gmail.com.
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- One day each year, women around Germany officially rule the roost during Weiberfasching.
Celebrated on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, Weiberfasching (meaning women's carnival) marks the transition from the Fasching fest season into the Lenten season leading up to Easter -- and it's all about the ladies.
In some German cities, a ritual takeover of the town halls by local women has become a yearly tradition.
Among other established customs, women cut off men?'s ties, which are seen as a symbol of men's status.
The men then wear the stumps of their ties for the rest of the day to receive a "Buetzchen" (a peck on the cheek) as compensation.
It's an unofficial holiday, but the party often starts early. Many breweries, bars and clubs cater to the ladies, offer "women only" parties.
As such, men dress up as women to "sneak in" and join the fun, although the long beards and size 14 high heels usually give them away.
Join in on the fun, Feb. 27 at the events listed below:
Amberg Hexennacht (Witches Night), 5:30 - 11 p.m., on the Marktplatz. The "witches" (ladies from the Seidl-Schwandner Dance School) will perform a special dance for children beginning at 5:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. on, "D' Quertreiber" will rock the Marktplatz.
Weiberfasching in Vilseck, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Burg Dagestein castle, Schlossgasse 6-10; Zehentkasten (tithe barn). Please park on Marktplatz and walk the short distance to the castle. It's all about the girls today, but guys can participate, too (if they dress like women.)
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