The Carnival's in Town !

The carnival - better known as "FASTNACHT" in
Switzerland, dates back to 1494, and is also known as
one of the most famous carnivals in Europe.
It is a 3 day event, but almost everyone enjoys the loud
music, bright & crazy costumes and most bizarre masks worn
by the people partaking in the carnival.

At the start of every carnival , we will experience a bitter cold Winter,
and the people's belief - the louder the music, the Winter cold will
disappear as soon as the carnival ends - Strangely enough, I have
experienced this myself for as long as I've lived here, because as soon
as FASTNACHT is something of the past - a definate change in the
weather is noticeable, so who knows, perhaps the loud noise is partly
to blame for Father frost taking a back seat.

When the streets are deserted and quiet again, one can feel a great
pity for the poor street cleaners who are left with an almost impossible
task of cleaning the immense amount of garbage left behind by everyone
who enjoyed the carnival that lasted 3 days only !

Street corners, alleyways and tramlines are filled and clogged with
confetti and streamers, which makes walking very difficult and bring
trams to a total halt. Looking at the lost and forlorn flowers lying forgotten on
the empty streets, oranges and mandarines or sweets which people didn't bother to
catch as it was thrown to them ( by WAGGIS sitting on the wagons) is only a re-
minder of a most enjoyable carnival time which has come to an end,
and an event to look forward to again next year ! !

These guys - hanging half way out the moving trucks or wagons are

called WAGGIS, most of them are extremely naughty and

always up to all tricks, if you should come too close to

the truck, they will grab hold of you and you'll be covered in confetti

from your hair right down to your underwear.

Girls in bright coloured costumes.

Unfortunately I wasn't all that lucky in finding the clearest pics for

the blog, I was pushed and showed in the process and when I

thought I was lucky enough to capture a good photo, I ended

up with a strange face looking directly into the camera.

Better luck next time !!

For a better view, click on the picture.