The Viktualienmarkt is a hotspot, well known for its luxuriant presentation of foodstuffs, a paradise for open-air gourmets and those who love to shop for delicacies from near and far – including a comfortable beer garden … At carnival time, however, everything is different – and the market takes a short ‘break’ from its day to day tasks. On the Tuesday after Shrove Monday, the market women dance their famous “Tanz der Marktfrauen” (dance of the market women), an event that is of central importance for many of Munich’s carnival revelers, and a traditional occasion to dress up in outrageous costumes or dab on at least a bit of color, wear a mask or ‘whatever’ – most of all, to join in with the general high carnival spirits.

The market is very full for the event: the crowds are plentiful and it gets tight between the stands. But for carnival clowns that’s all part of the fun. The event is a spectacle with a barrage of sound: having a conversation is just about impossible – it’s best to be quiet and enjoy it all. This is how Munich celebrates itself and has fun – and the images of the day speak for themselves. With and without champagne; with and without beer.
(Pictures from the book "Traumtag / Rigobert Fischer Verlag München")