Unveiling Spain’s hidden carnivals: unique traditions and festivities

Spain’s Lesser-Known Carnivals That Deserve More Attention: Everyone knows about the carnivals of Cádiz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Las Palmas, the three great ones that attract the spotlight and the crowds. But in Spain, a country of many carnivals, there are others that are less known and more intimate, which deserve to be discovered. These local festivals, often more reflective of their community’s spirit, are like hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. In the Basque Country, the traditional carnival of Tolosa stands out. It begins on Zaldunita Sunday when a horseman reads the proclamation from the balcony of the town hall, and there’s a parade of floats and carnival figures. On Monday, the elders celebrate their own party, and on Tuesday, there’s a children’s carnival. The festivities peak on Wednesday with the main parade, and on Friday, the women take over the streets. On Saturday, a series of events culminates in the burial of the sardine, a symbolic end to the carnival. The town of Verín, in the province of Ourense, is famous for its traditional carnival. Here, the cigarrón, a figure dressed in a colorful costume, rules the streets with his whip, keeping order among the revelers. The cigarróns parade through the streets, performing and interacting with the crowds, adding a unique charm to the celebration. In the north, the Carnival of Lantz in Navarre is a must-see. It’s a deeply rooted traditional festival where the town reenacts the capture of the bandit Miel Otxin. The villagers dress as zaldikos (horsemen) and txatxos, chasing and capturing the symbolic figure of the bandit. The carnival ends with the burning of Miel Otxin, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Another noteworthy celebration is the carnival of Xinzo de Limia in Ourense, the longest carnival in Spain, lasting five weeks. It’s famous for its ‘Fareleiro’ (flour fight) and the ‘Oleiro’ day, where participants throw clay pots filled with water. The main characters of the carnival are the pantallas, figures who roam the streets ringing cowbells and chasing those not in costume. In the region of La Bañeza in León, the carnival is known for its spontaneity and humor. The streets fill with people in costumes, and every year, the town hosts a contest for the best homemade carnival group. The locals take great pride in their creativity, making this carnival a unique and heartwarming experience. In Águilas, Murcia, the carnival has a long tradition and is known for its vibrant parades and the famous ‘cascarones,’ which are eggshells filled with confetti. The carnival of Águilas is a riot of color, music, and joy, making it one of the most exciting yet lesser-known carnivals in Spain. Finally, in the Canary Islands, aside from the famous carnivals of Tenerife and Las Palmas, the carnival of La Aldea de San Nicolás in Gran Canaria is a hidden treasure. It’s a more intimate celebration, focusing on traditional songs and dances, with the ‘Carnival of the Land’ being its main event. These lesser-known carnivals showcase the rich cultural diversity of Spain, offering visitors a chance to experience the heart and soul of each community.