I love Fasnacht, though parades could benefit from greater spontaneity

Carnival processions are like marmite. Either you love them or hate them. Luc Müller, a journalist of the Neue Zuger Zeitung, explains why he likes them so much, though even he has some suggestions for improving them.
 
"I know that some people find the endless processions through the streets at this time of the year a bit of a bore, but I really enjoy Fasnacht and have always done so. It is marvellous to be able to put a mask on, slip into another role for a while and merge in with likeminded others at least once a year," he said.
 
In addition to the local processions, Müller has also experienced much bigger ones in Lucerne and in Germany, such as in Cologne and Düsseldorf, where they are particularly popular.
 
"I think the processions here are a bit over organised, which means they can lose some of their charm, especially with each float appearing in a strict order. They could be improved by a bit of spontaneity. Fortunately I have noticed you always get the odd crazy person who does his best to lighten up the parade," he said.
 
He thought what people really ought to do, too, was take a longer look at how the floats had been made. "It is a shame they are used for just the one occasion and then never seen again, especially when you see what work has gone into them. I think they should be left in particular spots in the various villages for people to be able to admire them longer."
 
As for lasting impressions, Müller said that what he always remembered after these parades was having icy feet and confetti stuck to his face and back after people had excitedly thrown it everywhere.