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Tues 9th February - Mon 15th 2016
It’s Carnival time Here in Torrevieja, it’s carnival or ‘carnaval’ time across the town. f you’ve seen children on their way to school dressed in all manner of weird and wonderful ways, then this is why. The festival originated as a prequel to the period of lent when it represented the last opportunity to let your hair down and enjoy yourself prior to this period of abstention. Since then it has continued to be an exhibition of the flamboyant with extraordinary costumes, makeup and exhibitionism, in countries across the world. No less so in Torrevieja where it is celebrated with gusto and brightens up what can be a dreary February. Usually for a full school week children will go to school wearing some item of clothing that has been specified. For example, a bow tie, or a head scarf, a
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■ SUZANNE O’CONNELL
suzanne@costablancapeople.com waistcoat or a red nose. On the last day they can go to school wearing all of the individual items together or sometimes they are just told to dress up as they wish. It’s a fun time of year that usually ends
with a procession outside the school gates and around the local streets. It’s not just the schools that get involved. It’s also an occasion that is celebrated in the town, and this year Torrevieja’s main procession was held on Sunday 7th February. It set out from la Plaza María Asunción and proceeded along Calle Ramón Gallud. This colourful and dramatic event is only usually marred by the cold weather. However, although it had started off as a blustery day it turned into a mild afternoon and evening. It was a colourful parade with plenty of glamour as well as some unusual and imaginative themes. Not everyone has finished yet with their carnival celebrations. Las Culturas primary school will be celebrating their carnival on Friday 12th February at 3.00pm and the late night carnival will be held on Saturday 13th February. Plenty of time to witness one of the most extravagant and colourful occasions of the year. (see page 2 for more pictures). Suzanne O’Connell
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