Ever heard of "Weiberfastnacht"?

I was astonished to read today that "German carrier Lufthansa is to warn international passengers, men in particular, about the dangers of landing at airports on the Rhine tomorrow, the day women cut men's ties off and compensate them with an unexpected kiss."

It seems that in Germany, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday is when women take over. They occupy the town halls and administrative offices, cut off men's ties and generally create mayhem. At 11.11 a.m. the Carnival season is officially declared open, and apparently raucous (and alcoholic) celebrations are the norm - at least, if this video from Trier in 2007 is anything to go by!





Sounds like fun . . . if you're not wearing an expensive silk tie!

Peter