Carnival

Dating back to the dawn of time, the Indo-European traditions of Carnival reflect the hope reborn inside people with return of the light of spring. The word “carnival” comes from the Latin carnelevare, which means to put away flesh--it is the feast to say goodbye to sensual pleasures before Lent, during which you live soberly, chastely, and spiritually in order to deserve communion at Easter. The Carnival-like festivities of the pre-Christian era were orgiastic, wild: wine and food to one’s fill, pleasures of the flesh in abundance, human and animal sacrifices. Through such debauchery, the victory of the re-emerging sun was celebrated.

Starting in Europe in the 14th century, Carnival became a celebration which troubled but also fascinated. It played a important role in the development of literature, especially the theatre in Germany and Italy.

Historians suppose that many unknown and inexplicable prehistoric rites of various natures came together to make Carnival what it is today with its masks and costumes (ancient magic rituals?), noise, music, firecrackers, and so on. The festivities end with a fire, and, instead of burning people, there is now a dummy which represents winter; it is the way to announce the coming of spring and, in doing so, symbolically reject death--burning to bring back light and life.

Children's carnival Bulle
Carnival Châtel-St-Denis
Carnival Fribourg
Carnival Broc
Carnival Romont
Children's carnival Les Paccots
Brandons Payerne
Carnival Murten