Friday, April 3, 2009

Did You Hear the One about the Funniest City in Ukraine?



I'm just back from a visit to Odessa. More to come about Odessa's architecture and history--and one very interesting museum--but our visit happened to coincide with April Fool's Day. For reasons that aren't quite clear to me, Odessa has the reputation of the funniest city in Ukraine--and so April Fool's Day is a big celebration with a festival called Humorina. Funny hats, satirical floats (about taxes, banks, and more), marching bands, cotton candy, beer, comedy showcases and more, happen throughout the day. Some Odessans advise not even going outside during the event, but my roommate Amy (who supplied some of these pictures) and I had a great time just walking around the city, along with grandmothers, parents, teenagers and toddlers, many in funny hats, all enjoying a taste of spring weather and a chance to enjoy their beautiful city.

Enjoy!

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