Carnival In Spain [A Detailed Guide On What, Where, Why, And When]
If you’ve been searching about festivals in Spain, you will most certainly have heard of carnival. The fun filled time of the year will blow your mind away with how festively it is celebrated within the country. The parodies and costumes stand out each year and every town will have its own distinguishing celebrations. The Spanish take their carnaval seriously and the style and flamboyance of the festivities are matchless!
What Is Carnival In Spain?
The carnival program lasts anywhere from a week to a month in Spain. It will typically begin with a pregon which is an opening speech by a locally important person or celebrity. This is followed by the arrival of the Carnival King or Queen which is the formal beginning of festivities. In the following days, numerous parades, music and innovative costumes set the tone for the event. The carnival concludes with the Entierro de la Sardina which is a parody of a funeral procession to say goodbye to the festivities and the Carnival King or Queen. In the Burial of the Sardine, a large figure of a sardine is set on fire or buried to symbolically say farewell to the pleasures of the carnival season and signal the arrival of Lent. Even though there might not be much religious significance to this event any more, it is still an important symbolic gesture that has maintained its importance in the festivities over the centuries.
The celebrations don’t even have to be too expensive; people of all ages enjoy themselves without breaking the bank. So don’t be too shocked if you see a Superman crossing the street or a witch in a pointed hat joining you on your morning ride on the metro.
Who Celebrates Carnival In Spain?
You can visit just about anywhere in Spain and see the carnival season in full swing. However, the specifics vary across different regions in the country. The most infamous and boisterous celebrations are those of Tenerife, Cadiz and Stiges.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
This is one of the biggest carnivals in the world and has been declared of International Tourist Interest. It is most similar to the popular Rio carnival. In 2000, this was even named the Carnival Capital of the world. Festivities here can last for an entire month.
The festive, eye-catching costumes will surely steal your attention, as will the antics of the Carnival Queen hopefuls. The most famous gala to choose a Carnival Queen is the one that takes place in Tenerife. It is almost like a beauty pageant and will judge participants based on their outfits too. This is especially since so much thought goes into them, and with their frames and wheels one outfit can weight a whopping 450 pounds! Since this event is so massively popular, make sure you have your tickets booked well in advance. Lose yourself in the music and rhythm of this occasion with other people from all over the world looking to enjoy it with you.
Cadiz
Cadiz in Andalusia is categorized by its unique ironic songs which are written by the participants of the fiesta themselves. The party is centered mostly on music and humor. The parade goes around the city center, spreading the spirit of freedom and fun. The carnival has also officially been declared of International Tourist interest, and is a 10 day long affair.
There are two musical groups, the comparsas (troupes) and the chirigotas (comic carnival bands) which particularly stand out and which you will remember for years. The comparsas draw inspiration for their music and dances from Latin America. The chiringotas on the other hand sing without instruments. Their songs are usually written by the members themselves and are critiques of the society, and politicians in particular. This is seen as an almost cathartic way to liberate one’s frustrations. These music competitions are in fact so popular that they are even televised live.
Even during the time that rehearsals are happening, this carnival is a treat for food lovers. Events like the Pestinada (fried pastry party), the Rizada (the sea urchin party) and the Ostionada (the oyster party) are bound to tantalize your taste buds.
Stiges
Stiges in one of the smaller towns, located close to Barcelona just down the coast. The carnival at Stiges too, stands out from the rest and lasts one week. It is characterized by the prominent participation of the LGBTQ community and can be said to be a week-long pride celebration. That being said, the huge parties welcome everyone to have fun and are not restrictive in any sense. Events on public streets, extravagant costumes and floats parades just add to the fun. The citizens in Stiges also hold a drag queen talent show as part of the carnival. So much so that these might be some of the best drag shows Europe has to offer. The Rua de la Disbauxa and the Rua de l’Extermini are some of the famous themed parades where you will find the boldest, brightest costumes. You will find an event being held at almost every corner, making the party seem everlasting.
Why Is Carnival Such A Crazy Time For Spaniards?
The festivities of the carnival are celebrated across Spain and are an exhilarating experience. In every town you will find the streets filled with partying, parodies and an almost jubilant atmosphere of people gathered together for the spectacular displays. The originality of each place is worth seeing and experiencing and everyone is devoted to having a good time. And this is not just limited to the day time. In the main destinations, no one seems to sleep as dancing and drinking go on from dusk till dawn. The extravagant masks and costumes just add to the fun, and participating in the parades is bound to be much more fun than just watching.
What Is The Origin Of Carnival In Spain?
The origins of carnival go back to the Middle Ages, more specifically the 15th century. They are strongly connected to religion, though the features of some of the traditions are from the pre-Christian times, dating back as far as ancient Rome. During Lent or the Great Fast, for 40 days Christians must practice fasting and abstinence in imitation of Jesus Christ’s period of fasting before he began to preach publicly. Therefore, back in the day people would spend the time right before Lent to eat their heart out and party before the 40 days of abstinence. What began as a religious custom and a way of preparing for Lent evolved over time into what is known as the carnival today.
On the other hand, the features of some of the traditions are believed to be from pre-Christian times, dating as far back as ancient Rome. The Roman solstice festival called Saturnalia was where people would indulge in drinking and dancing. Perhaps these pagan roots were why the celebrations were banned during the Franco dictatorship in 1938 and remained so for 40 years. But once the ban was lifted, the Spanish were as willing as ever to revive the festival and enjoy it to the fullest.
When Is Carnival In Spain?
Spain is known for its spirited culture and there aren’t many days in the year when the Spaniards aren’t celebrating for one reason or the other. Carnival is one of the most popular of these and is celebrated between Christmas and the Holy Week. Though the exact dates and the duration might differ, it usually falls somewhere between February and March. The carnival season lasts two weeks on average and is dictated by the Catholic calendar.
It is usually a few days (or even weeks in some places) prior to Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. This will be followed by Easter. Therefore, just as Easter dates will vary, so too will the dates of the carnival each year.
What Are The Important Dates For Carnival In Spain?
Fat Thursday
Carnival begins on the day known as Fat Thursday or Jueves Lardero. This is a Christian tradition which marks the last Thursday before Lent. This is also a guilt-free opportunity to gorge and overindulge in your favorite food, and the day creates a real buzz all over the country.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is a day of prayer and fasting in Christianity. It falls on the first day of Lent, which is also the day that carnival ends. This is also called the Day of Ashes and is focused on moving the heart towards repentance and prayer.
5 Things To Know To Celebrate Carnival In Spain Like A Local
Get Yourself A Good Costume
You cannot go to a carnival without a costume! The festival is characterized by its bold and innovative costumes and anyone looking to attend must have one with them. The good thing is, nothing is specified and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to stand out or enjoy yourself. As long as you are in the carnival spirit and pick something fun, you should be good to go.
Be Prepared For Lots Of Singing
Most places will have an abundance of music and singing. Be prepared to enjoy the festivities with the locals by either dancing to the music, or joining in on one of their songs. Most of these songs are witty and humorous and will be critiques of modern society.
Enjoy The Variety Of Food In Each Region
If you enjoy good food, the carnival season in Spain is the place and time to be. You will find that each place offers its own delicacies and gives you a taste of Spain that you would not have been able to experience otherwise. From street food to more sophisticated snacks, you are bound to find everything here.
Expect To See Lots Of Drunk People
The freedom of the celebrations means that you will find a lot of drunk people at the festival. Though not everyone will be religious and observe Lent following the end of the carnival, the festivities are still characterized by an excess of partying and drinking and just having a good time. No one will be abstaining from drinkign in this festival.
Understand And Enjoy The Local Variance In Traditions
Your experience of the carnival will vary a lot depending on where you celebrate it. Although you’re guaranteed to have a good time and enjoy yourself, the traditions between regions can vary a great deal and you will find each to be a unique escapade. If you can, you might want to visit more than one festival to get a true sense of the carnival spirit.
Regardless of where you are in Spain, you can feel the carnival spirit. So go ahead, grab your costume and be a part of it to get a chance to experience the thrill of the carnaval firsthand!