Past weekend was the weekend of Carnaval, a Roman Catholic tradition that is upheld both in The Netherlands and Belgium. It is the festive period before Lent, usually starting on Friday and traditionally ending on Ash Wednesday. Many of you will know about it, as it is celebrated in many Christian denominations.
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| Carnival in Aalst (B) |
In The Netherlands, it is only really celebrated in the Roman Catholic parts of the country ("south of the great rivers", which is a common expression in The Netherlands, usually expressing some wonder or mild ridicule about anything happening in those parts which were not part of the former official Republic of the Seven Provinces but ruled directly from The Hague) and in some Eastern parts of the country). Protestantism frowned upon Carnival, and as the North was mainly Calvinistic it is much less of a tradition there. However, in the South it is really a big thing. In Limburg the focus is more on getting dressed up and showing one self to the others, often in very elaborate, elegant and expensive costumes, just a little more classy perhaps, while in Brabant it is truly a folk festival with dancing, lots of alcohol, eating and much public merriment, dresses often limited to a simple "boerenkiel"or smock. Often, towns adopt an alternative funny name during Carnaval, mostly incomprehensible to anyone from above the great rivers (like me), Den Bosch becoming Oeteldonk for instance. There are more similarities than differences, however, and nowadays many northerners come down south for a few days to have a good time (although, according to many locals, they are simple incapable of entering into the true spirit of Carnaval). In most places there are long processions of floats, which are often very funny, creative and elaborate and have been worked on for many months.
In Flanders, there are some very famous Carnivals, like that in Aalst which has a well-deserved reputation for having the best floats in the country, but surprisingly it does not seem as widespread a tradition as in the southern Netherlands or in the German Rhineland. Yes, the kids dress up for school, and there usually is a party, but for the most part it is nothing like in the south of the Netherlands, where official public life virtually comes to a standstill during Carnival. You'd better get your groceries beforehand!
Our Tuesday Crew have a true Carnival of goodies for us this week. We will see at least:
- From SimonM: Ben and the Law, second edition;
- From MarkB: Riding with a Vampire
- From PeterD: A Pictish Proverbial Porcine Posterior
- From GregB: Whirlwind Progeny
- From SarahHC: Elfio's Return
Enjoy!
