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The Women's Carnival in Germany

A week of celebrations starts with Weiberfastnacht, or Fat Thursday, on Feb. 23. Originating in Bonn, it is tradition that the women “take back” the town — women symbolically storm the town hall and cut off the ties of the men, leaving them with a small kiss as compensation.

For the rest of the week, there are many processions and marches where different groups can create a float or a performance and take part in the festival. Much of the town dresses up, painting their faces and taking to the streets in celebration.

A Bavarian maker of Donald Trump-style wigs said her factory has been overwhelmed by demand for the U.S. president’s blond coiffure from Germans preparing for Carnival celebrations this week.

The six-day Carnival takes place in Catholic parts of Germany, and revelers in the Rhineland cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz traditionally poke fun at politicians. One of the main targets of this year’s jokes is Trump.

Carnival is called the “fifth season” in the Rhineland. Revelers pack the streets to party, consume large amounts of alcohol and sing and dance. (Reuters)

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