Carnival’s last gasp

Many of us based in Germany took note of or participated in Fasching, Fasnet or Carnival events, as the case might be, in the week running up to Ash Wednesday, which fell on Feb. 6. Now, during Lent, we find ourselves in a rather somber state, with all the revelry behind us. Or is it?

If you haven’t had your fill of Fasching, you can still join the activities taking place in some areas of Belgium. The town of Stavelot’s big shebang takes place from Saturday, March 1, through Monday, March 3. Highlights include the “Blancs Moussis” parade and fireworks on Sunday, and performances by music and folklore groups on Monday. Wondering how to find Stavelot? It’s in Wallonia, one of the three regions that comprise Belgium, and in the southern, French-speaking, part of the country. If www.mappy.com is to be believed, the town is just a two-hour drive from either Baumholder, Germany, or Mons, Belgium.

Stavelot isn’t the only town in the area to celebrate carnival at this time. Andenne will host its 54th annual Carnaval des Ours, or Carnival of Bears, on Sunday, March 2.

The town of Fosses-la-Ville offers its own unique take on carnival. It features characters known as the Chinels, reputed to be quite the tricksters. This also takes place on March 2, from 2 p.m.

Alternately, you could head to Tournai, where the theme to this year’s carnival is “Year of the Sixties.” Again, the date to mark on the calendar is March 2.

Looking for an even more intimate kind of carnival celebration? Check out this list of carnivals throughout Wallonia, compliments of the region’s tourist board.

Where do these towns get off, having jovial celebrations in the midst of Lent? These carnivals are known as the “Laetere” or “Laetare” type, a term that refers to the fourth Sunday in Lent, and originates from the Latin “Laetare,” meaning rejoice. So why not? Rejoice!