Many of the illustrations below are from a 16th-century manuscript detailing the phenomenon of Nuremberg's Schembart Carnival, (literally "bearded-mask" carnival). Beginning in 1449, the event was popular throughout the 15th century but was ended in 1539 due to the complaints of an influential preacher named Osiander who objected to his effigy being paraded on a float, depicting him playing backgammon surrounded by fools and devils. According to legend, the carnival had its roots in a dance (a "Zämertanz") which the butchers of Nuremberg were given permission to hold by the Emperor as a reward for their loyalty amid a trade guild rebellion. Over the years the event took on a more subversive tone, evolving to let others take part with elaborate costumes displayed and large ships on runners, known as "Hells", which were paraded through the streets. After its end, many richly illustrated manuscripts (known as "Schembartbücher") were made detailing the carnival's 90-year existence.

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Take notice that the outlawing of this early carnivalesque-type carnival was because of the butchers of the trade guild, who at one time sided against a "trade guild rebellion" (yes, there were these "trade guild rebellions" as far back as the 15th century!), but eventually themselves got  out of control and incurred the displeasure of a Protestant preacher. Again, as with the May Day carnivalesque carnivals, both church and state were responsible for their demise.  Also, keep in mind that this is another instance exemplifying the historical fact that these 15th-century trade/craft guilds were the forerunners  of the later 19th-century unions that instituted the May Day for the rights of international workers.