Rio may be more riotous. Whist Venice is certainly more sophisticated. But Carnival in the Canary Islands is still a major celebration. As the partying on islands such as Lanzarote goes on for weeks whilst the biggest fiesta of the year rolls from town to town.
The roots of Carnival can be found in the invasion of the islands by the Spanish conquistadors back in the early 1400´s. They imported Carnival from the Iberian Peninsula. Where it was already well established as a means of letting off steam before the sacrifices of Lent. And where it also acted as a sort of social safety valve – allowing people of all classes to meet on an equal footing behind the safe cover of masks and costumes.
Today, Carnival still retains a very strong anti-authoritarian streak. Which is most visibly reflected in the colourful costumes of many of the revellers. Some of which are designed solely to poke fun at local politicians or satirise perceived social injustices. In the most public way possible. Many hardcore revellers will spend months planning their costumes and there are even shops which are solely dedicated to the creation of outré outfits for the Carnival season.
Hedonism is the other defining characteristic of Carnival. As revellers eschew social conventions in favour of self-indulgence. Resulting in some fairly drunken scenes as Carnival reaches its climax.
The central focus of Carnival is always the main procession – which is populated by imaginatively themed floats and the massed ranks of batacuda drum bands. Whose synchronised syncopation is the heartbeat of Carnival. Creating a cacophony of noise as they wend their way through the throng. Many of these rhythm sections practice their moves all year long before finally unveiling them at Carnival.
The main focus of the action is the island capital of Arrecife. Where Carnival kicks off on February 17th and runs through until the climax on the 25th. Before upping sticks and moving on to the islands main tourist resort of Puerto del Carmen. Where the whole affair is repeated again from February 26th onwards.
The colour and spectacle of Carnival is such that many tourists now time their holidays especially to coincide with this annual event. Booking hotels and villas in Lanzarote months in advance once the dates are released. And Carnival is surprisingly inclusive – enabling tourists and locals alike to really let their hair down together.
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