“Until the end of time…” These word have been pronounced by the majority of Europe’s population, but a lot of them haven’t fulfilled their promise of marriage, because only some years later they heard their lawyers saying: “The marriage is officially divorced”. The European Union isn’t only a community of 27 member states, it is as well the best example of a Union of divorces. The current divorce rate in Europe breaks all records. Uncountable psychologists and anthropologists are trying to find an answer to this phenomenon referring to our first human ancestors, the Homo sapiens.

According to a study elaborated by the Institute for Family Policies almost one million marriages are ending in divorce each year. If we consider this figure in more detail, this would mean that every 33 seconds a couple in Europe gets separated. These are alarming figures because over the last 25 years the divorce rate has increased over 50%. So, it is not surprising that there are less Europeans who have the courage to marry his or her mate. And if they dare to walk up the altar, then they decide to take this important step very late: according to official studies, the average age of women getting married is about 28,2 years and the age of men 30 years.

Although the Mediterranean Europeans are in the group of the most desired women and men according to finding the perfect partner in life, it seems like that in the southern countries of Europe divorces are the new trend: over the last 25 years the divorces in Portugal has increased by over 89%, followed by Italy with 62% and Spain with an average of 59%. Meanwhile in Germany marriages last about 10,4 years, the married couples in Cyprus are fighting with the seven year itch.

Everyone is trying desperately to find the reason for this huge divorce rate in Europe. Is it the fault of the financial crisis, the globalization, climate change or society? Numerous experts think about that matter in a different way and relate it to the first human ancestors. The genetic make-up of the homo-sapiens shows us that they were completely unprepared for a lifelong relationship. The homo-sapiens stayed with their partners for almost four years, enough time for bringing up their children. A lot of experts defend this point of view: the unique biological reason to be with his partner is because of the offspring. According to science, to be in love with someone is only a kind of motivation system of the brain and a normal human drive.

However, every one of us should find his personal answer to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, experts give us the advice to try to trick our brain so that our organism transmits more dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin (hormones which control the well-being, feelings of happiness, etc.).

Don’t let your decision be swayed by the high divorce rate and show Europe that you are capable of living with your partner until the end of time. For reaching your goal, why don’t you spend a romantic holiday in one of the most beautiful European capitals? Rent an apartment in Paris: the best alternative for comfortable and cheap accommodation of high quality.

Do you see clowns, Indians and cowboys everywhere? Don’t worry, you’re not going crazy! It’s just that the Parisian Carnival is beginning and people are busily dusting off their wigs and rescuing their costumes and masks from the loft. Soon, cities like Brazil, Venice and the Canary Islands will delight thousands of people celebrating one of the most fun and delirious festivals in the world: the Carnival.

They are not the only unique places which enjoy a noteworthy Carnival. Paris celebrates an enviable Carnival too!

The city of lights has given life to a former carnival custom which dates back to the Middle Ages until in 1952 it was interrupted due to organizational problems. It was reactivated by the “Right to Culture Association” in 1997 and is now more much stronger than ever! The Parisian Carnival enjoys a wide acceptance throughout the city, though it is not well known in the rest of the world.

Nowadays, the Parisian Carnival is a great event: the streets are filled with colours, music, costumes and masks. The star of the show is the same as ever; a huge cow called “Pimprenelle”, which heads the long parade that goes from Gambetta Square to the Town Hall.

This year Paris has a Cosmic Carnival theme with Astronauts and Aliens. Thousands of astronauts and aliens will enjoy the musicians and artists performances that have been hired especially for the occasion.

The Carnivals enjoy a unique atmosphere where everything is fun: associations, cultural centres and citizens. Everybody wants to have a great time at the Carnival! Despite the Parisian Carnival being of small international recognition, more than 400.000 people will meet in the Parisian Carnival parade.

The old regional traditions are gaining strength in the French capital. Increasingly, more people dress up, regardless of their age. Take your best astronaut costume and go to the Parisian Universe for this spectacular Carnival. You’ll dance more than ever and of course you’ll have fun like never before! To give your feet a break why not rent apartments in Paris to relax after the festivities.