Lucerne Carnival , Switzerland

Lucerne Carnival is a time when all the joy and frolic of the locals of the town of Lucerne takes a full circle and finds expression in the Lucerne Carnival. During this festival, the entire air of Lucerne assumes a party look with lantern-lit parade, musical groups and hundreds of people dressed in masks and costumes making merry on the streets.

The origin of Lucerne Carnival traces back in time in the 15th century and is still going strong with each passing edition. The celebrations get flagged off on Schmutziger Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday) with the signal of a gun shot from the Town Hall by the Fritschi father.

As the night descends, the real bonanza begins with a wild parade of big bands, lights and lanterns from Luzernerhof to Waldstätterstrasse. With the procession, the parade hits the bars, restaurants and squares to entertain the spectators.

The carnival begins again on the following Monday. Here, the parade takes place in the afternoon, with bands and partying continuing until midnight in the old town. All in all, the Lucerne Carnival is the time for a party outing in the city of Lucerne.