They wear flamboyant costumes with colorful skirts and hats and start dancing at 11 a.m. Thousands of locals and tourists watch their performance.

Along with traditional dances, the women have also prepared more modern choreographies. The mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter launched their festive performance.

The dance of the market women is an over 100-year-old tradition. After the performance, the Carnival festivities spread out throughout the market.

On Ash Wednesday, the market women go back to their stalls at the Viktualienmarkt, where they sell food and flowers.

le/eg (dpa)