I wanted to wait and talk about Fasnacht, after it happened officially....but the anticipation is killing me!!!!
In the dead of the winter, it can be so hard to keep up a cheery and energized disposition. When it's cold and snowy outside, all you really want to do is cuddle up in bed and read a good book. At least that's what my "boss" said, smiling. Bad weather day = lazy day at home. Especially when it comes to a cold February like the one we're having here in Luzern, where it's been around a chilling -14C all weekend (a lovely 7° F). Who would want to go out in that???
But February, despite its cold weather and cloudy days, is a special month in the Catholic cantons of Switzerland, because it marks the time when everyone prepares for one of their favorite holidays of the year: Fasnacht, or as we know it, Carnival. Although the festival only lasts for a few weeks, the endless amounts of preperation and preparties involved make the entire month exciting.
I can already claim to have gone costume shopping, 2 huge parties, and of course, seen the famous loud, drunk, and bad marching bands, parading around the city and joining in the festivities. It's just one party after another, livening everyone's spirits, especially since the school holidays are starting now, just in time. As strange as it sounds, "fasnacht" has awoken the spirits of the cold, tired, and overworked souls of Luzern. Everyone is so excited and ready.....I can't help but feel excited too.
