It’s a well-known fact that Spain is a country with a huge diversity of traditions, customs and festivities. And one of its differentiating features is that there are many versions of the same celebration being held around the country. Carnivals are one of those festivities that are interpreted and experienced in different ways depending on the geographical area on the peninsula where they are held. Here’s a list of some of the most curious carnivals in Spain:
Small places, big celebrations
Some of the most striking carnivals in the country sometimes go unnoticed because they are held in small towns sometimes outside the areas frequented by tourists. But the fact is that many of them have even been listed as Festivities of National Tourist Interest. There must be good reasons for this, so take a look!
For 10 days non-stop, the citizens of this town in Albacete province don their carnival costumes and practically never take them off again until the grand finale! This carnival has been listed in the National Tourist Interest category since 2011, and they have certainly earned it. The carnival is staged on every street, on every street corner, and in the main square… If you come once, you’ll always want to return again and again.
The Xinzo de Limia carnival is the longest in Spain: it kicks off about three weeks before the normal starting date. Three Sundays are the highlights: the Fareleiro, the Oleiro and the Corredoiro, as well as the so-called “Pantallas”, or “Screens” – the legendary characters in charge of ensuring that everyone gets into a disguise.
Jewels among Carnivals: listed as Festivals of International Tourist Interest
This is the carnival best known for its “murga” and “chirigota” – music bands in costume, and comedy groups, respectively – finding their maximum expression in the “comparsa” groups, who recite humorous couplets on current issues in politics or society. Humour, costumes and music on the Costa de la Luz.
The most spectacular fiesta by far. And for this reason, they rank as the second most important carnival in the world after Brazil. The show begins with the Election of the Carnival Queen, a contest in which the originality of the costume, its carnivalesque allegory and the richness of the details are all judged, as well as the grace and interpretation of the aspirant during a lavish parade.
The municipality of Águilas, on the Costa Cálida, can also boast having a carnival on the International Tourist Interest list, with over two hundred years of history behind it. It starts with the “Release of the Mussona”, a dragon-like character, and is followed by the Battle of Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma (Carnal and Lent figures), the Pregón, or announcement, and the final fireworks with the Burning of Don Carnal.
Other carnivals not to be missed
Sitges, and Solsona in Barcelona, Badajoz, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria… And along the coast, Ruzafa in Valencia… different ways of understanding the same tradition that shouldn’t be missed if you want to experience a different kind of festivity. So, now you know: Get into your best costume and enjoy! Because life is a Carnival!
