Queenie
Active member
Carnival fever in the French city of Dunkirk In the northern French city of Dunkirk, thousands of people look forward to carnival season every year. As Mardi Gras approaches, the carnival transforms the city: the Black Cat Ball, fancy dressing and herring throwing from the town hall balcony are all part of the two-month-long festivities. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, when shipowners would host a big party for fishermen before they sailed off to Iceland for six months to fish for cod. Today, the tradition continues and is prepared weeks in advance.