The French holiday is primarily about Mardi Gras. The school missed the normal date for Mardi Gras Carnaval, so it was put off to this week. Normally Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is a rowdy celebration that marks the last day before the start of Lent. This week, though, is Holy week, traditionally one of solemn observance. French schools aren't supposed to acknowledge any religion, but stomping on the most important Christian holiday with a pagan one doesn't seem the most sensitive way to work around the religious issue. Oh well... Anyway, perhaps as a result of trying to encompass a variety of French holidays, this Carnival was celebrated with a mishmash of pagan traditions that marked the end of winter.
Of course Carnaval involves costumes. So Deb worked up a penguin costumer for David. I think it turned out rather nice..
The kids and teachers assembled in their courtyard after lunch and enjoyed each others' costumes. The teachers set up Mr. Carnaval, who was a combination clown figure and Monsieur Bonhomme Hiver (literally Goodman Winter, or Jack Frost). I knew right away this guy was a gonner.
Almost on cue, as soon as this guy was strung up, the sun came out... With the arrival of spring, the kids marched off around the block in their costumes...
They returned to the courtyard where they assembled and sang what seemed to be songs about Spring (familiar melodies, but I kept hearing "printemps" in the words).
Finally everyone got with their classes for a photo opportunity...
Meanwhile Deb headed out to get some treats for the kids to enjoy in their classroom. Then we headed home. But I hear after the parents were gone everyone returned from their classroom and kept with the tradition of setting Bonnehomme Hiver on fire in the courtyard, to free themselves from the grips of winter.
All in all, I thought it was a great celebration and I enjoyed seeing it. Maybe pagan holidays are more fun than religious ones. Anyway, the kids really seemed to have a great time.
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