In Germany it is totally appropriate to close all shops and government buildings when there is a parade in the center of the city. It is a holiday that may be somewhat like our halloween, except the older generations are far too into it. Everybody was dressed up and not only today, but for a few days prior as well.
Thanks to surprise german holidays I was not able to: go to the bank, go to the post office, buy my books for school, get my pretty flowers, or get my bike fixed... but of course class was not cancelled.
Tomorrow everything is back to normal. I will say that they know how to enjoy life. They enjoy their city and you can see it.
