Carnivals in Spain

In February, when everyone has recovered from the Christmas and New Year's fun, carnivals usually begin. In different parts of Spain, they differ in theme and style, as well as schedule.

The idea of carnivals in general comes from Ancient Rome, where Saturnalia dedicated to the patron saint of agriculture Saturn were held. Under the influence of the Catholic faith, which has become the only religion in Europe since the IV century AD, carnival celebrations turn from pagan to Christian, preceding Lent. A reason to relax and celebrate is impossible to miss, so carnival traditions are as strong as religious ones. The break was only for the duration of the Franco regime, only 36 years (1939-75). Almost no one in Spain observes fasting, but to miss the carnival is a crime.

Carnival is always a colorful parade of buses or special platforms, of course dances, songs, music, feasts of neighbors right at the intersections, universal fun. Performances of street performers and costume contests of the ball queens are mandatory. The upbeat atmosphere is created not only by the participants, but also by the audience dressed up in carnival costumes. Each city chooses its own carnival theme, a new one every year. Although you can dress up as you want, the brighter the better.

Sardine's funeral is sure to take place. One day one of the kings wanted to treat all the inhabitants to fish, but it went bad. That did not prevent a good mood, and the product was jokingly buried. It is not known whether it was or not, but nowadays sardine is a huge fish made of papier-mache and other materials that are burned simultaneously with fireworks. In coastal cities, it is first loaded onto a raft and set on fire already in the sea, which looks even more beautiful. Mummers are attached to this ritual – "inconsolable widows", "priests", "monks", "devils", "angels", "ghosts" etc. There are always such costumes at the carnival.

At the carnival in Barcelona, you can also meet the "king" with a retinue of unknown fabulous animals.

A small Spanish island of Tenerife hosts the second largest carnival in the world. Up to a million tourists flock to Santa Cruz to watch the costume show.

In the city of Aguilas, the ball is ruled by a half-human, half-animal La Suelta de la Mussona, and anyone can get to know him.

Another bright carnival will be in Cadiz. In this city, teams of artists act out parody scenes of the most important events from the past year.