Carnival in Spain
Fun, music, dance, jokes, masquerade balls, fancy dresses, a feast for the senses. Carnival is definitely one of the greatest events of the year. I have never been to the world’s most famous one in Rio de Janeiro, but the ones celebrated in Italy or Spain are no less fun.
Venice is of course synonymous for an elegant Carnival: Rich, precious and shiny fabric, not to mention hand painted masks. It’s a matter of prestige for them. It may sound out of time and a bit freaky but these people start preparing the customs nine or more years before, same as the ones that take part in Carnival parades.
If you have never taken part in one of them, you should. Carnivals in Spain would be a great fit. Usually only people who are involved from the beginning of the project (which consists in different steps: choosing the theme, budget planning, costume design, buying materials, etc…) are allowed to be in the group, but if you are lucky you could be exceptionally accepted in the last minute if somebody introduces you as a special guest.
carnaval masks
Some of you may be surprised, but Germany is also a country where Carnival is a traditional feast, the most famous is the one celebrated in Köln (Cologne), although the celebrations in Berlin are also worth the travel to the German capital. Spain probably, with its crazy traditional feasts such as San Fermines or Tomatina can be more easily connected to the Carnival. Surprisingly the most famous among the Spaniards are not celebrated in the two main cities, the capital and Barcelona.
If you are staying in downtown Madrid you will anyway have many occasions to and have fun, as well as to assist to concerts and performances. Carnival time in Barcelona is plenty of events as well, although the coolest parade is the one held in Sitges. If you prefer a milder climate leave your Madrid apartments and take a flight to the Canary Islands. Carnival celebrations have already started and will last until next Tuesday, so hurry up, choose your costume or disguise as your alter ego and go partying.
carnival Sitges 2010
Have you ever visited any carnival in Spain?
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
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I didn’t even know about these carnivals in Spain so it’s great to get some information and pictures about what it’s all about – hope I get to see one one day!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Good luck with visiting some Spanish carnivals :)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Hogga:
hahaha a golf car? haha … I want to experience the carnival in Brazil, Colombia and everywhere else! It’s fun ;)
Hogga
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Pictures are awesome dudette… I feel like all I ever read about is Carnival in Brazil, this is a refreshing change.
I got to spend Carnival in Venezuela 2 years ago… it was basically a golf cart with streamers and balloons going down the street haha :)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Eric Carter:
Eric, I have never experienced La Tomatina, but it must be THE experience, I guess. Thanks for your comment and come over soon again.
Eric Carter
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The only time I was in Spain, was two years ago in Valencia. We arrived just in time for the local festival “La tomatina”. I haven`t seen this much tomatoes in my life!! :) Amazing experience, though it was kinda bad to be that sticky in late august.. Great post by the way – Spain carnavals are a must-see!
Short breaks Scotland