Carnival In The Canary Islands
It´s Carnival time in the Canary Islands this month. And whilst the celebrations are not as riotous as Rio or as opulent as Venice this annual event is still the biggest fiesta of the year. Engulfing the islands in a wave of Carnival fever that effectively shuts down local government and many businesses for weeks on end.
Carnival was first introduced to the islands by the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th Century. Who had inherited the tradition from the old Roman Empire. Historically it has been used as a form of escapism from the strict social divisions of the time behind the cover of masks and costumes and as an opportunity to let the hair down before the onset of Lent.
The event was soon given its own special Canarian flavour – and today owes as much to Latin American as Iberian influences. Thanks to the Canary Islands position as s staging post between the Old World and the New. When Spain would transport Inca silver and gold across the Atlantic. Creating a unique cultural melting pot on the islands.
Carnival today certainly still retains an anti-authoritarian and highly hedonistic streak. For example, many Carnival goers opt for outfits that poke fun at local politicians. Or are designed as a form of social commentary on either a local or international level. Whilst others just grab the chance to dress up in outrageous and provocative costumes. But such is the importance of carnival clothing that there are numerous shops dedicated to this alone.
Carnival is also about excess – not just in terms of clothing but also behaviour. As social norms go out of the window for a couple of weeks.
On the eastern most Canary Island of Lanzarote the main focus of the event is always the main Carnival procession. This features a log train of brightly decorated and themed floats – which often serve as a platform for the massed ranks of batacuda drum bands or similar rhythm sections. Which then create a real cacophony as they wend their way through the crowds.
On Lanzarote, Carnival is already underway in the island capital of Arrecife until February 25th. And will then up sticks and kick off all over again in the main resort of Puerto del Carmen from February 26th onwards.
Such is the importance of Carnival that many tourists arrange their holidays around the event, booking hotels and holiday villas in Lanzarote months in advance.
