Carnival is a public celebration that precedes the start of Christian lent, which is why the date of such varies every year. The origins of this festive event go way back to the Egyptians and the Sumerians 5000 years ago. Carnival comes from the Latin word “carnelevarium” that basically means farewell to meat, due to the fact that eating meat during the 40 days of Christian lent was prohibited. But before embarking upon this period of fasting, the people would let loose one last time during the Carnival festivities. However, this celebration has long since lost its religious significance.
Carnival in Torrevieja has been celebrated for 25 years, and it’s full of float parades, krewes of costumed paraders wearing masks and dancers in matching attire. This year, for the first time ever, it has been declared to be a provincial tourist attraction of great interest.
The highlights this year are on the following dates:
- Seniors fancy dress dance. 24th of January 18.00h at the Centro Municipal de Ocio (Municipal Leisure Centre) right next to the Habaneras shopping centre.
- Carnival Contest Parade. 3rd of February at 16.30h. 30 krewes will take part. It starts at the Plaza María Asunción, goes along Ramón Gallud and ends up in Patricio Pérez.
- Carnival night time parade. 9th of February at 22.00h. This is the most uninhibited, popular, free-and-easy parade. It starts at Patricio Pérez, Goes stretching Ramon Gallud and ends up in Plaza Maria Asuncion.