What do Rio, New Orleans and Luzern Have in Common?

CAR NI VAL

Train Station Entrance Luzern

Two weekends ago, we decided to go to Luzern, Switzerland.  We wanted to go away for the weekend, which seems to be something people do here-they leave Davos for the weekend.  We choose Luzern for no real reason, except it was a location that we could visit in a long weekend.  The travel time to Luzern is about 3 hours from Davos.

Walking Bridge from
Newer Luzern to Old Town

Like most European cities, Luzern has an 'Old Town' and a newer, more modern section.  It sounded like a good choice of a place to visit...so with no expectations (none) we went.

Well, what we experienced was more that we ever imagined!!!!

We departed Davos around noon on Friday, arriving around 3PM.  When we checked into the hotel we were told that Car-ni-val had just started.  Car-ni-val?  "Yes," the receptionist replied, "it began last night (Thursday) at 5AM with a big BOOM and a parade.  It goes on until Tuesday night."  We had NO idea what she was talking about, but she went on to say there would be music all weekend, food and a lot of people.

So we went out for a walk.  We were within a 5-8 minute walk to the 'Old Town', which has narrow, cobblestone streets.  From our hotel was, we had to cross over a river using a pedestrian bridge.  As we approached the bridge, we saw a large stadium bleacher stand.  Oh, I thought, that must be where people sat and watched the parade at 5AM (crazy!).

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As soon as we crossed the bridge, we heard music - loud, brass music echoing in the street.  We followed the music and WHOA!  when we turned a corner, we saw another tall stadium bleacher stand filled with a huge brass band playing Drum & Bugle-type songs!!! This was late on Friday afternoon, people milling and fun music blaring!  Now we understood: the bleachers weren't for the people, they were for the bands!!

What Is It, By Golly?

So, what exactly IS Carnival or Fasnacht about??   We met a woman there who explained that Carnival in Switzerland (and I believe most of Europe) is held at the end of winter with the intention of 'scaring away winter, so spring will come.'  

In Luzern the idea is to make as much noise as you can.  I'm all for it! This woman told us that in Luzern,  brass bands come from all the surrounding towns to make joyful noise!  And it was joyful and happy and fun.

A Typical Saturday?

Feathered Man!

On Saturday morning we walked around 'Old Town.' It was quiet, stores open for business a lot of confetti on the ground from the night before. Then we noticed something unusual; people were wearing costumes. All sorts of elaborate costumes. As the afternoon progressed, the bands reappeared! Music filled the air, the streets became jammed with people and families, so many families-this was a family event! Children happily throwing more confetti. Families were dressed in themed costumes!  And the costumes were extremely detailed!  Each one looked like a Broadway production outfit.  From the top of their heads to their shoes, each aspect of the costume was perfect and coordinated.

Music & Laughter

And then the bands came out to play in their amazing costumes!  

Red, White and Blue Marching Band!

The music and fun continued all night.  We stayed until around 11PM.  It was only getting better and better.  One of the amazing things to me was there were so many families having fun.  Sure there was alcohol (Europeans like their beer) but there were no obnoxious people, no one getting sick in the streets and no public urination.  

Marching Band

Band Leader

I have never experienced such a good time.  We all have our preconceived notions of what an event like Carnival would be like.  I was so wonderfully surprised at the joy I felt coming from all directions in Luzern, Switzerland.  I learned what a good time surrounded with people who are so delightfully proud of what they can do.  I learned they make their costumes!  I learned they start the process for next year as soon as Carnival ends. 

If you are EVER in Switzerland during their Carnival (Fasnacht)  time, go to Luzern!  So much fun, so much joy, I loved it!

Auf Wiedersehen, Ciao!!!!

Marybeth