Carnival joy and freedom have conquered the streets of Madrid. If you want to join in the fun, here is what's going on these days.
Music is paramount in Carnival, so this year Verdi and Wagner are coming along. Afther the opening speech on Saturday, the city's huge key will be handed over to this year's herald. Then a parade will be taking the streets. Floats of all kinds will tour the city while actors recreate Goya's famous painting of The Burial of the Sardine. It's remarkable the custom of women wearing two masks, one on the face and one on the back of their heads. Many theatrical companies will be paying homage to music and both composers with fire, opera, buffoons, and the most popular characters of the Commedia dell'arte. The traditional meeting of murgas and chirigotas will take place on the stage located at the Plaza de la Villa on Sunday at noon.
Four renowned groups present the Musical Carnival for Children at 6 pm on Sunday. This interactive show includes games and celebrates the love for animals. On Monday, the Symphonic Band will offer a concert at plaza de Colón at 7 pm.
CentroCentro houses the carnival wardrobe bequeathed by the Menkes family where you can see the costumes of the most popular characters of Verdi's operas: Violeta, Rigoletto, Amneris, Manrico...
The origins of the Merry Brotherhood of the Burial of the Sardine can be traced to the reign of King Charles III of Spain in the 18th century. They are entrusted every year with returning the costumes to the trunk, silencing the fanfare and burying the humble fish with full honours. Finally, the carnivel has come to an end, so we must get ready for Lent.
Be joyful. Be extravagant.
No comments:
Post a Comment