In the UK, we make pancakes to commemorate the start of Lent. Spain being Spain, well we have yet another party!!
“Carneval” is always held during lent and in Spain, involves street parades, parties, concerts, and shows with everyone dressing up in elaborate costumes. The is a general comedy theme that runs through the Carnivals in Andalucia with many groups performing satirical plays based on current news stories.
The local carnival season kicks off in Estepona this weekend, 7th and 8th February.
Full timetable is listed below – bear in mind many of the activities are held outside and as such are dependant on the weather – one year in Manilva the whole event had to be cancelled as the weather was so bad!! Fingers crossed, looks OK for this weekend.
Saturday 7th February
11.30 am: Children’s fancy dress competition and party to be held in Parque Del Calvario.
12 noon: Carnival music by Chirigota and Comparsas music groups and ree “Tortillitas De Bacalao”, again in the Parque Del Calvario
8.30 pm: Indoor market in Calle Villa by the Castle, including performances from various comedy singing groups, fancy dress competition for the adults and election of the carnival King and Queen.
Sunday 8th February
5 pm: Carnival street parade through Estepona town centre.
7 pm: ” Sardine Funeral” – the traditional end to a Carnival – a parade to the beach where an effigy of a sardine is burned – supposed to rid us of the excesses of the carnival in preparation for Lent….
Manilva’s carnaval will be held 7th and 8th March – more details nearer the time.