Spain is a vibrant, diverse country that is filled with traditions and holidays. People dress up in fun, bright costumes for parades and celebrations that last for a whole weekend. Adults dress up in rave-like attire and also join the festivities!
With the streets of Madrid filled with costumes, parades and dancing, Carnaval is a holiday you don't want to miss in Spain! It comes from Greek and Roman roots, which celebrated gods and the harvest with feasts, dancing and costumes, as well. Throughout the centuries, colonialization brought Carnaval to Brazil, New Orleans and the Carribean. Today, we'll focus on the traditions in Spain itself.
To celebrate, everyone dresses up in costumes and enjoy the parades and parties that happen over the weekend. In Madrid, there was a parade and a street party the first weekend of March!
In Spain, Carnaval comes right before Lent. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting before Easter comes. Carnaval is a way to indulge a little bit before having to fast or give up something for 40 days. It is a time of fun and celebration.
