The Carnival of Vinaros 2019
The last weeks we experienced our first ever carnival! The carnival of Vinaros is one of the biggest events of the year in our region. It has a different main theme every year. This year the theme was China. The carnival started on the 16th of February and lasted until the 4th of March. During these weeks there are concerts, displays of fireworks and other events held throughout the city.
Queens of the Carnival of Vinaros
One of the main events is the Gala de Reinas, the Gala of the Queens. At this event every comparsa, a carnival troupe, shows their Reina. A person in an extravagant, Rio de Janeiro-like outfit, which represents their comparsa during the carnival. The Gala de Reinas was held on a large, Chinese-themed, stage near the arena. You can stand, or dance, in front of the stage or take a seat on the side. The next day there is another Gala de Reinas. The Gala de Reina Infantil, the version for children. Because most of the comparsas also have a little queen!
Other well-known events in the city are the flour battle, in which people throw flour at each other. The confetti battle, similar thing but then with confetti. The pet costume parade, in which pets are dressed up by their owners. The costume night during which people dress up according to the theme of the carnival and of course the pyjama night, which we posted about earlier.
During the last weekend there is a huge parade through the city. A really huge parade, with thousands of participants. On saturday we went to see the entire parade. It started at 6 in the evening, although they started walking a bit later, and it wasn’t until around 10 in the evening before the entire parade had passed us! They walk in a circle through the city, so you will see the entire parade wherever you stand.
On the final day, the 4th of march, King Carnestoltes was burned and the Sardine was burried in the arena. To symbolize the end of carnival and the start of the period of Lent.
Next year the carnival will be held from 8 until the 24th of February. If you would like to experience the carnival yourself, please let us know in the comments below.
