Carnival in Germany

The carnival figure "Bajazz," right, leads the Herbsteiner Springerzug on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany. The Springerzug, literally "jumping parade," is an interpretation of carnival tradition particular to Herbstein.

Rose Monday is the highpoint of the annual carnival in the region between Mainz, Cologne and Dusseldorf, where carnival has been an annual tradition since 1823 and celebrates free-spirited merrymaking before the beginning of Lent.

People prance at the Springerzug carnival parade on the annual Rose Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

A carnival reveler wears fancy dress and blue face-paint during the Springerzug carnival parade on the annual Rose Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

Carnival revelers wear elderly face-masks as they participate in the annual Rose Monday at the Herbsteiner Springerzug on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

The young carnival participant, dressed as Niclas, takes part in the Herbsteiner Springerzug on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

Carnival revelers participate in the annual Rose Monday at the Herbsteiner Springerzug on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

A carnival reveler wears fancy dress and blue face-paint during the Springerzug carnival parade on the annual Rose Monday , Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

The carnival figure "Bajazz," center, leads the Herbsteiner Springerzug on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

People prance during the Springerzug carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

Carnival revelers participate in the annual Rose Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Herbstein, Germany.

Carnival revelers participate in the annual Rose Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Carnival revelers participate in the annual Rose Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

A float featuring a catholic cleric during the Rose Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

A float featuring social democrat Per Steinbrueck as candidate for chancellorship makes its way along the route during the Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

A float featuring an electric car makes its way along the route at Rose Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Carnival revelers participate in the annual Rose Monday carnival parade on Feb. 11, 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany.