CARNIVAL BY THE SEA

CARNIVAL BY THE SEA

Spain is a country with a well known Catholic tradition.

The carnival is celebrated before the 40 days of Lent as a way to let loose before the prohibitions of the upcoming religious holidays.

Most Andalucian towns stage a parade, and a dance and a “Carnival Queen” and other singing contests. Most towns celebrate the carnival with processions either the weekend before or after shrove Tuesday. Cities and larger towns have festivities lasting all week and over two weekends. The carnival is a “fiesta of the people”. It is a reaction against abstentions and prohibitions of all types. Just submerging yourself in the carnival celebrations is enough to make you feel the dramatic break with social order that carnival goers achieve. It is also an opportunity to let go of all inhibitions and to help out in this department, everyone is encouraged to wear masks and fancy dress. Almost all towns and villages in Andalucia celebrate the carnival.