Don’t mind the Lent, France is open for carnival Mar 04, 2009

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As you might know all the carnivals in Europe end when the Lent begins. Those who haven’t made it to a carnival vacation the road opens up to the north of France. In the town of Dunkirk and its suburbs the carnivals continue for at least two weeks after the beginning of the Lent. The Dunkirk carnivals are not connected to any Christian traditions. This carnival in a port town is related to the celebrations honoring the sailors. For many centuries all the sailors would go to sea for many months right around this time. Every region in Dunkirk and every village in its neighborhood have their own celebration. Colorful parades with songs and dancing, and with tossing of herring from the Town Hall balconies, symbolizing the care of the town for the well being of the people.

The locals say that the Dunkirk carnival does not have any viewers because it is not a show. Every guest certainly becomes a part of the celebration and finds a place that suits the soul. The carnival shall last until March 14th.