A Weekend Of Excess?

Carnival is here.

One can't escape it. No matter which channel one watches, a slew of colourful yet silly outfits are beamed into our living rooms. Programs populated with cowboys, witches, Lords and intergalactic figures. Often these shows are coupled with comedians and I must say, the Germans do know who to roast their politicians. Great fun to watch. Yes, it seems dressing up for carnival or as we call it here, Fasching, is the thing to do. On Monday, Rosen Montag, most major cities will host huge carnival processions, televised of course.

Our own little village is also going to stage a carnival float procession, meandering one house and one schnapps at a time through the various streets of our neighbourhood. Ah well, what can I say except that this year I will emulate Houdini once again.

Fasching in a way is the last frivolity before the start of lent. The more outrageous the costume the better to let one's hair down! Yes, Wednesday lent is here again and along with somber times. For a start half the village will swear of alcohol for the foreseeable future which is a good bet as often the length of lent leads to many a promise's undoing. Sweets and sugar might join the ranks of things to forgo but hopefully so too will anger, guilt and negativity.

A few might be so brave as to swear off their smartphone until Easter and good for them. Reclaiming alone time with oneself far from being necessary, is actually priceless as it gives one back several hours a day.

Fasching is another date on the yearly calendar and just as vital as Christmas, Easter, Lent and New Year's Eve. It takes the fear out of time galloping away and at least for those few events throughout each year we can jump up onto the saddle and grab a hold of the bridle to slow time down...

Biggi