Carnaval in Mallorca 2012

In Mallorca known as “The last days”, referring to the last days of the religious calendar, during which you could eat meat. The traditional carnival celebrations which precede Lent, in many cultures have become associated with the season of fasting, being a last opportunity for excess before Lent begins. Having originated in ancient history, the festivities were dedicated to Bacchus, god of wine, orgies and various other entertainments, such as music and celebrations in general. The Celebrations we are preparing for today are the result of this ancient tradition, having passed through the Christian filter and the change of times. So just before we begin to remember and honor the 40 days and nights, Jesus has spent in the desert, we are given a little social breather in the religious as well as liturgical calendar.....which is Carnival.

Carnival is a public celebration, which in Mallorca as well as the rest of Spain is characterized through the carefree joy and happiness, which liven up the streets and Squares of our villages and cities. Costumes, parades, floats and fun are the main ingredients of this festival. In Mallorca it is the “Dijous jarder”, the last Thursday before lent, when children and adults, in fancy dress, watch and/or participate in the colorful parade.

The most obscure element of the Carnival traditions, without a doubt, is the mock funeral of the Sardine, during which a Sardine is taken to the grave in traditional funeral style. Pallbearers, marching band and man dressed as widows follow the coffin of the sardine to its grave in lustrous celebrations. The ceremony takes place on Shrove Tuesday, in order to bid Carnival farewell and to herald the beginning of lent.

Before this sad moment arises, however, it is time to think about how we can participate in the festivities and what our disguise will be. This year’s Carnival is approaching the streets are about to fill with celebrations, people, lights and colors and the excitement is about to begin.

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