Fastnacht also called Karneval is a pre-Lenten celebration for the the German speaking parts of Switzerland, Austria, and southern Germany. France also has their version. Just as the name implies, Fastnacht is the celebration of the upcoming Lenten fasting. It is a long celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday, Aschermittwoch. To many Americans, we call this Mardi Gras. If you've actually been down to New Orleans for it, you know that it starts in January when we eat King Cake.

It starts on either Jan 7th the day after the Epiphany, Dreikönige, or Nov 11, Elfter im Elften. It just depends where you are. Celebrations vary in each region.

Have fun with all the celebrations. Don't just complain about them, join them!

Again, why am I going to live in Geneva when I know all this German stuff already???