Carnival goers warned to keep warm

Regional health authorities in the southern Netherlands are warning Carnival goers to keep warm because of the freezing temperatures expected this weekend.

Carnival is traditionally celebrated outdoors but weather forecasters say it will be as low as -5 Celsius at night. And heavy drinking leads the body to lose warmth, increasing the risk of exposure, health officials say.

'Keep warm and celebrate Carnival indoors,' a spokeswoman for Brabant health authority said. 'And don't do stupid things under the influence of alcohol.

Carnival, which takes place every February in the run-up to the Christian festival of Lent, is mainly celebrated in the south of the country. Some 700,000 people are expected to join in the festivities.

Source: Dutchnews.nl