As luck will have it, here in the southern regions of the Netherlands where I work it's dress-up day today, with the start of the Carnaval (a.k.a. Mardi Gras).
People here start a few days ahead of schedule - after all, the mardi bit means Tuesday - but at least it hasn't spread to non-catholic regions (much).
No Mardi Gras music, unfortunately - 4th rate brass bands, stupid 'comedy' lyrics, and public nuisance alround.
By the way, Carnaval is the only time when you are not breaking the law when you're wearing a disguise on public roads.
