Fools Day in Trier

St Peters

Trier is the oldest city in Germany, possibly founded by the Assyrians centuries before Rome, and a very important city in turn to Rome, the Franks, the Holy Roman Empire and, through most of this time, to the church.  It boasts a plethora of imposing, if somewhat grim, edifices, including the Roman Porta Nigra town gate and thermal baths, and the immense St Peter's and Constantin's Cathedrals.

Porta Negra

It's also noted as the home town of Karl Marx who was born there in 1818.  In fact, his house was right across the road from our hotel, but we never made it into the museum as it always seemed to be shut when we had a moment!  Obviously it has iconic value to Marxists & fellow travellers round the globe, and appears to be an object of pilgrimage for many contemporary Chinese.


By coincidence, our stay in Trier in Germany in early March 2011 coincided with Mardi Gras (literally "Fat Tuesday" and we know as Shrove or Pancake Tuesday), or the Fasching as it's called in Germany, supposedly the last day of feasting before the Lenten fast but also a celebration of the fool, which made me feel very much at home.  There are parades in towns across Europe and everyone seems to get into the spirit of it.

Blue Fool

Lots of people had gone to amazing lengths to dress up for the day, but even the most undemonstrative of the locals made some concession to the occasion, through a silly hat, slightly odd make-up or some other relatively subtle signal of celebration about their person. Even the dogs were kitted out for the event!


The sight of Obelisk with beer & fag in hand, chatting to one of a thousand pirates in the crowd, devils by the score, jesters, clowns, insects and animals of every kind, hardly raises an eyebrow. But even the mardi gras-hardened Trierers were drawn to the two bright blue Avatar characters as they strolled down the mall and they were mobbed by everyone with a camera in their hand.


The Fasching parade was in great contrast to the pomp that attaches to these grand historical monuments and one gets the feeling that its roots predate any Christian notions and are more linked to Pan and his mischievous mates.  Much fun and a glorious sunny day to boot. 

Everyone plays

Follow the link to Fools Day at Trier in Photo Albums on Picasa at top right of the blog for plenty more photos.