Fasnacht

January 19, 2013

While driving through the Swiss countryside I noticed what looked like mardi gras masks. I was told that these has to do with "Fasnacht," which means "fasting night." It is some sort of winter ritual in whch people make a lot of noise to scare away the ghosts of winter. People wear masks to shed their everyday responsibilities and to "get into another world." Fasnacht occurs in different cities in Switzerland on different days. It is also an opportunity to celebrate political satire. I took a picture of fasnacht festivities that were televised. I didn't understand a word of what was being said but people were clearly making fools of themselves and enjoying it immensely!