h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We are coming up to an important part of the year for many people in Central Europe - Fasnacht / Carnival. The custom of a big knees-up before the start of Lent has more or less died out in Britain (apart from the relic of Shrove Tuesday) but several parts of Switzerland and Southern Germany have huge street parties which last for a week up to the last Tuesday before Lent - the one in Lucerne is very influenced by the rather more famous goings-on in Rio, although the climate is obviously very different.
It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Unfortunately, I'm not sufficiently steeped in Fasnacht lore to be able to write a reasonable Guide entry, but I think one should be compiled.
Interestingly, one of the most popular presenters on Swiss TV is called Monika Fasnacht. Opinion is divided about her - some people think she's incredibly dull and bland, but others consider her to be the ultimate in feminine attraction.