Germany may be facing its worst economic downturn since World War II. But so what? The country is seizing on carnival this year to drown its sorrows – and even to laugh about the financial crisis.
"These days, banks are happy to get robbed. It’s a sign they’ve still got cash left!” That’s one of the jokes that has been playing well with audiences at carnival shows this season, says Guido Cantz, one of Germany’s best-known comedians. And there are many others. After all, for Cantz and his colleagues, carnival is one of the busiest times of the year.
So far, this year has been no different. Fears that Germany’s recession – which many fear could end up being the worst since World War II – will wreck the party have proven unfounded this year. Millions of Germans have seized on carnival as a welcome chance to forget about the relentless stream of deeply unfunny news about mass layoffs, bankruptcies and corporate bailouts.
"The financial crisis has been a big subject in comedy routines and it’s getting laughs," Cantz, 37, told SPIEGEL ONLINE. Not surprisingly, bankers are favorite target. Here’s another one from Cantz’s repertoire: "I don’t trust my bank anymore. I was talking to them about a loan, but I decided not to give them one."
February 24, 2009
