Fat Tuesday is over here

Yesterday was Germany's Fat Tuesday. There were parades everywhere, marking the end of Carnival. In Gmünd there was a great Carnival parade. Many bands, floats and costumes. Much fun was had by all. I haven't seen anyone with ashes on their foreheads although I imagine some people are going to Catholic churches today to receive them.

Historically, today is the beginning of 40 days of fasting. Yesterday and throughout the last week bakeries were selling special pastries. They are maybe a little sweeter and have more fat in them than the usual ones and are to prepare you for the fast. I especially recommend the quark pastry. It is quite tasty and not very sweet.