Carnestoltes

Thursday, 28 January 2010 11:33

Barcelona events and fiestas

Carnestoltes is Catalunya's equivalent of Mardi Gras or Pancake Day but it takes place over a weekend from the 11th to the 15th of February. It is the last chance people get to eat, drink and be merry before the Christian tradition of abstaining during the period of lent. The 11th is named 'Fat Thursday' setting the tone for a weekend ahead of gorging and enjoying yourself before you bury sardines on the Wednesday, a tradition which symbolises the beginning of the fasting. There is often a grand street parade on the Saturday and of course Shrove Tuesday is not forgotten where everyone eats the classic, pancakes.

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Although some sites may be closed as might some shops, Carnival is a great time to visit the city as there is so much going on and you can really get involved and embrace the Spanish and more so the Catalan way of life.

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