How old is the word Fasching? What is the German word for “to fast?” From which

How old is the word Fasching? What is the German word for “to fast?”
From which language family is Karneval?
Generally speaking, where in Germany is Fastnacht used (north, south, east, west, etc.)?
What is the emphasis on in the Fasching and Fastnacht regions?
What are Büttenrede?
When do almost all carnival celebrations end?
Name a few of the traditions that occur during Fasching in Munich.
What is one of the unique traditions during Fastnacht?
What is one reason that Karneval is different from its southern counterpart Fasching?
Where is one of Germany’s largest and most famous carnival celebrations?
Where in the US can one find the most famous Mardi Gras celebration?