Today, completely unplanned, we experienced a carnival in Hasselt here in Belgium. The day after Sensation White, we woke up (in the afternoon) and decided to go for a quiet walk to buy some water. Instead, we were greeted by... a raging party!
Totally unexpected - Carnival in Hasselt
There was a big carnival train going through Hasselt, people were standing along the streets and the city was full of carousels... We felt a bit shocked at first. We were at a big party yesterday, which was organised here because there is a big arena just outside Hasselt. Hasselt itself is a rather small town, which yesterday seemed very quiet, not to say sleepy.
Today, however, there was nothing sleepy about this city! One carriage after another rolled by, the music flowed and people shouted and waved. If it was a bit grey and dreary outside, the city definitely lit up with all the colours and imaginative creations.
Superheroes and nurses
Most people were dressed up, both children and adults. Superheroes, monks, Vikings, policemen, nurses, animals or different fruits were everywhere... One man had dressed up as a painter and was carrying a ladder and a roller. Here and there he stopped, climbed his ladder and rolled in the air, in time with the music. There was no lack of imagination when it came to costumes, so to speak!
Party tents in the centre
In the middle of the city centre they had set up a party tent where really nice music was playing. There were a bunch of beers and Jägermeister shots there, and some new friends for the evening ... We asked a girl what they were celebrating and she answered, with clarity in her voice: "Same as in Brazil. Carneval!" Don't we have a bit too little of that here in Sweden ...?
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Ninny says:
Oh seems wonderful!!! Lovely atmosphere, you almost felt it right through the blog! 🙂
A Jäger is never wrong!
16 March 2010 - 10:24
Helly says:
Yes, there are few carnivals in Sweden... Maybe a tradition that should be introduced...?
16 March 2010 - 12:00
M A R i E (Mandelström På Ärten) says:
Yes, we should have more of this in Sweden. Lovely pictures. =)
But now spring is close. I think it's really nice with a few degrees below zero and sunshine. =)
16 March 2010 - 19:14