A pirate for Fasnacht

We've witnessed many Swiss/German customs that we really understand very little about, but perhaps none more perplexing than Fasnacht. Some say its symbolic of the chasing away of bad winter spirits, while others that it is a celebration before Lent. Either way, it has become part of the children's timetable and a good excuse for a day of dressing up. Bea chased away winter dressed as a pirate in Kindergarten, and loved it so much he stayed a pirate all day. Four of his friends dressed up as clowns—laughing winter off perhaps—joined by ladybirds, princesses, cats and vampires.

Bea (in the middle) at Kindergarten.