March 3rd - 7th 2011: The Carnival of Roses, Spain
Posted: Tuesday, January 18, 2011
by Harriet Freeman
Harriet Freeman
A Carnival of many colors
One of the most famous Carnivals in Northern Spain is the one held annually in Roses. The carnival attracts over 50000 spectators and is one of the largest of Spain. This carnival is for sure the most colorful carnival in the “Empordá”, the name of the region in Costa Brava where you find the small town called Roses. The carnival of Roses is a tradition that dates back to 1780. Some of the typical events during this carnival are an omelet making competition, several costume balls, lot's of music and dance and a so called “Xocolatade” for the kids. During the carnival every day parades are held and also there's the presentation of the carnival king. I'll give you some highlights of the carnival in Roses by day.
On Thurday in the morning at 10 a.m. is the opening of the carnival. In the moring in the SUF hall with the arrival of the King Carnestoltes and its steel band. On Friday during the whole day there will be “Carnestoltes” activities by the Compañía de la Ciutadella. Also on Friday there will be the first parade at 3 p.m. starting in front of the Citadel. On the Rhodes avenue the festival committee will give away free cookies and wine at 8:30 p.m. The official activities will stop at 9 p.m.
Saturday
At 4 p.m. There's a children's parade with costumes, The parade will go from Plaza Cataluña to Plaza Frederic Rahola. At the end of the afternoon, after the parade, there are many activitiet for children, including the proclamation of the King and Queen under children. At 11.30 pm there are several parties in Roses. On plaza Frederic Rahola is “Ball with the band” and in the Roses sports center is a dance party.
Sunday
At 12 p.m. along the Rhodes avenue a children's and grown-ups' parade is held. Later in the afternoon at 6 p.m. on Plaza Frederic Rahola there is the proclamation of the elderly King and Queen of the carnival. Half an hour later at the Plaza Peix Vella a concert is held. Later in the evening there parties like on the day before.
Monday
The last day of the Roses's carnival. In the afternoon it's a tradition to eat Paella. Also the exit of the funeral procession of the late Carnestoltes and the burial of the Sardine takes place on Monday (from 6 p.m.). Just after that a theatrical group will perform “Reading of the Testament” followed by the “Ball with the band”.
If you want to stay in Roses for a couple of days to celebrate carnival you can have a look at the Website of Ok Costa Brava apartments for affordable accommodation. Whenever you're in Barcelona it's also easy and interesting to join the carnival, because the connection by public transfer is very well onganized.
And if you have enjoyed the carnival so much that you want to repeat the next year, you may also try to go to the carnival in Sitges, a town close to Barcelona. You can have a look at some Sitges apartments to rent, if you don't want to spend so much in accommodation.
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