Mardi Gras at the Kartause

As in every country, in Austria there are many many customs: some unique, some normal, and others just "off-the-wall."

I would venture Mardi Gras is one of those "off-the-wall" holidays here in Austria. On Mardi Gras the custom is for everybody to dress up...full costume, face paint and the works. All the way from kindergarten to middle aged business men to senior citizens, everyone is encouraged to participate. My 4 year old son was fully engaged, dressing up in his full tiger costume for kindergarten.

Here at the Kartause, our beloved Austrian secretary, Andrea Ritt, shows us what Mardi Gras (Fasching as they in German) is all about: