Helau ,
The last week has been the busy time of the year for people who celebrate Carnival.
At the end of last week, I didn't see anything that showed it was Carnival season except a sign advertising a Carnival 'meeting' (1). But I nearly missed it - it had been designed to look like an election sign.
I know some people went to the Carnival meetings and enjoyed the acts (2) and the humour because I spoke with them.
I guess the ladies had their day last Thursday. But I didn't see any men with their ties cut off. I didn't see any ladies dressed up and ready for their night out, either (however, I arrived home early last Thursday).
The first thing that reminded me it was Carnival was when I saw some stalls setting up in the middle of the city on Friday. That's something that has grown over the years. There were almost no street stalls for Carnival over a decade ago...
The big parade (3) in the city was on Sunday.
I have memories from other years of sharing public transport with different kinds of interesting characters. Some people put so much work into the costumes (4) they wear!
This year, there were a few people on the commuter train who had dressed up, but they seemed to be a tiny minority.
In the city, I was too early for the action - the parade hadn't started. But people were gathering and were enjoying the atmosphere (and sunshine!).
Oh, and later I watched a full U-Bahn pull in, and most of the people were dressed in all sorts of colourful outfits. The spirit of Carnival was alive and well.
When I went back through the city, the parade was over. But people were still out. The food stalls were busy, and music was playing. Some people were talking while others were dancing along to the music. And the sun was still shining!
Now this year's celebration is over, I guess it's all about planning for next year.
I know, I ask everyone - are you a Carnival person, ? Although I find it interesting and am amazed by the work some people put into their costume, I don't want to dress up. But please tell me what you think and some of the Carnival memories you have.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Andrea
(1) 'meeting' - one of the translations of 'Sitzung'. You could also say 'session'. I know it's not like a real business meeting.
(2) the acts - the different performances or 'pieces' in a concert where there is more than one performer.
(3) parade - a long line of people (usually in groups) moving along streets to celebrate something. Often some of the groups perform music or dance.
(4) costume - the things you wear to make you look like another character or thing.
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