Thousands of people, many in colourful costumes, gathered under clear skies to hear the Fool's Charter read from the balcony of the Osteiner Hof, marking the start of what locals call the fifth season.
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Fastnacht runs from November until Ash Wednesday, but its mood builds slowly.
Parades, satire, brass bands and local guards all play a part, and each city in the region has its own way of celebrating.
The season will reach its loudest point on Rose Monday in February, when large processions move through the streets.
It will end on Ash Wednesday, when the festive tone gives way to the quiet days of Lent.
