Saturday, March 15, 2025

El Prat de Llobregat Barcelona Annual Fair

Feria Del Prat de Llobregat 

 The El Prat de Llobregat Fair is an annual celebration of the city's Fiesta Mayor (Major Festival), usually held in late September. This event stands out for its festive atmosphere and the active participation of the local community.

In 2024, the fair-faced challenges due to disagreements over its traditional location on the Ronda de Ponent (Western Ring Road), which was affected by construction work by the Ministry of Public Works. Initially, negotiations between the City Council and fairgoers failed to reach an agreement, leading to the temporary cancellation of the fair.

However, thanks to neighborhood protests and a petition drive, a last-minute agreement was reached to move the fair to the Ronda Sud (South Ring Road), in the Sant Cosme neighborhood. This change allowed the fair to take place from September 27 to 29, 2024, keeping alive a tradition held dear by residents.

The El Prat de Llobregat Festival offers various activities, including concerts, cultural and gastronomic events, and the iconic funfair, attracting people of all ages. The 2024 edition was notable for its resilience and community spirit, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between local authorities, fairgoers, and residents to preserve local traditions.

For up-to-date information on future editions of the fair and the festival, please visit the official website of the El Prat de Llobregat City Council.

 

ELLLOBREGAT.COM

ELPERIODICO.COM




Monday, March 3, 2025

Carnival Parade around Barcelona and Spain.


  Carnival Festival Parade 

The Carnival parade is a vibrant and colourful celebration that takes place across various regions, each with its unique traditions and flavors. From the famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the satirical festivities in Cádiz, these events are filled with music, dance, elaborate costumes, and an infectious spirit of revelry. Below is a detailed description of what a typical Spanish Carnival might look like, along with some key highlights:
Key Features
1. Elaborate Costumes
  • Participants wear dazzling, imaginative costumes inspired by themes ranging from historical figures to fantasy characters. All participants wear funny dresses to look attractive and turn on the party mood. 
  • Expect to see everything from glitzy ball gowns to humorous outfits poking fun at current events.
2. Parades and Street Performances
  • Grand parades feature floats adorned with intricate designs, accompanied by dancers, musicians, and performers.
  • In cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the carnival queen contest draws international attention, showcasing stunning couture creations.
3. Music and Dance
  • Traditional Spanish rhythms blend with modern beats to create an electrifying atmosphere.
  • In Cádiz, choirs and chirigotas (satirical singing groups) entertain crowds with witty lyrics and catchy melodies.
4. Local Traditions
  • Each region has its twist on Carnival:
  • Barcelona: The parade typically winds through the streets of central neighbourhoods like GràciaSant Antoni, or El Raval, bringing life and colour to these vibrant districts. 
  • Barcelona's Carnival incorporates elements of Carnestoltes, the traditional Catalan name for the festival.
  • The figure of the Rei Carnestoltes (King of Carnival) presides over the festivities, leading parades and hosting events until the grand finale—the symbolic burning or burial of the king, marking the end of the celebrations. Streets are decorated with streamers, banners, and lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere.
    • Cádiz: Known for its sharp humour and political satire through songs and performances.
    • Tenerife: Famous for its grandeur, rivalling Rio de Janeiro's Carnival in scale and spectacle.
    • Sitges: A more modern, inclusive celebration attracting LGBTQ+ travellers worldwide.
    • Villarrobledo: Celebrates "Entierro de la Sardina" (Burial of the Sardine), marking the end of Carnival with a symbolic funeral procession. 
    • The 
5. Food and Drink
  • Traditional dishes and sweets are served during the festival, such as:
  • Buñuelos de viento (fried dough balls dusted with sugar).
  • Churros con chocolate.
  • Local wines and sangria to keep the party going.

To understand better, uploaded videos and links are recommended.