Carnaval de Paris, a Mardi Gras affair
Monday, February 15th, 2010On February 14 Paris celebrated Carnival with a parade through the east of Paris. Carnival (Carnaval in French) is the period that culminates with Mardi Gras.
The parade was a well-attended but ragtag affair. It wasn’t the unrestrained, bang-away party that the arrival of Lent inspires elsewhere, notably Nice and Lille in France, then again Paris isn’t very big on Lent anyway.
Still, Paris’s Carnival/Carnaval parade has grown in over the past decade and attending it puts a smile on the face, occasionally a dance in the step.
Since February 14 was also the Chinese New Year, the parade was preceded by a dragon.
Then the fattened ox arrived to lead the celebration.
Since February 14 was also Valentine’s Day there were heart-shaped balloons and amorous clowns.
There were lots of colorful costumes, with fits and starts of rhythmic drumming.
A few giants walked by…
… including this guy, looking hungry in front the closed bakery.
- Photos and text: GLK.