Carnival in Europe

In 2011 the beginning of March means dancing, fun, crazy costumes, bear, loud music and parades. Yes, March 2011 is a Carnival time!
No one is sure where the tradition comes from. The name is possibly derived from the Latin “carne vale” meaning “meat, farewell,” as the celebration is a final fling of fun before the 40 days of fasting for Lent. Giving credence to this theory is a German name for carnival, Fastnacht, which means “fast night,” referring to the night before fasting begins on Ash Wednesday. Some claim the festivities are rooted in the ancient Greek celebrations for their god of wine, Dionysus, while others trace them to pagan customs of driving out the evil spirits of winter.
While the name and origin remain a mystery, it does not keep people from celebrating. And celebrate they do. From Greece in the east, across the continent to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic, the people party in many different ways.
The biggest celebration in Central Europe is in North-West of Germany and Southern provinces of the Netherlands. You can see amazing, funny and surprising costumes and make-up on almost any person you’re going to meet on the street at that time. It’s a real parade of inspiration and creativity.