Carnival in Alicante, from February 23 to March 5
From February 23 to March 5, Alicante celebrates its Carnival festivities. It is one of the most awaited celebrations, with a great tradition and history. The city has been celebrating it for more than 40 years, a festival in line with its personality. It represents joy, civic participation and brotherhood.
Although the masquerade is already celebrated all across the world, the one of Alacant has some distinctive features that make it different. The predominant element is the disguise, not masks; And is celebrated in open spaces, in the middle of the street, so it is not necessary to be associated with any institution.
It is, then, a party enjoyed by all the citizens and tourists that those days come to the capital. So, if you plan to travel to the city, do not hesitate to bring your disguise in the suitcase and go down to the Rambla to dance and have fun.
Party in the center
It is this famous avenue – located a few minutes from your accommodation in Be Alicante – which welcomes the big day of the festivity: the ‘Saturday Ramblero’. This year will take place on February 25, and you can not miss it. Along the Rambla, which goes down from the Central Market to the Port, people gather around large stages where live music is played. You can contemplate the ingenious costumes that the citizens carefully prepare from weeks before the parade. There is room for political, social and cultural satire, and to pay homage to superheroes, television or comic book personalities.
Seize the opprtunity to have dinner in one of the many restaurants in the area, or eat tapas in some of the fashionable places. And we recommend that you take a good ‘siesta’, because the party lasts until the wee hours of the morning!
If you are traveling with children, the celebration starts early in the afternoon, so you can take walk with for them to dress and show their favorite costumes. From 17.30 there will be workshops for children, magic shows and choreography and a photocall of the famouso ‘Pet Patrol’. Our little ones are the true protagonists of the masquerade, and surely they will not forget this experience.
More festive acts
In addition to this special Saturday, the carnival party has other important days in the calendar. You can not stop attending the ‘Jui d’en Carnestoltes i la processó del pelele’ (summary trial to Carnestoltes by the authorities and procession with percussion and fire through the streets of the historic center), which takes place on Tuesday 28 February, and of course The Burial of the Sardine.
This last day is celebrated on Ash Wednesday (March 1st), and is one of the most characteristic events of the Carnival in Alicante. It is a parade that represents a funeral cortege and culminates with the burning of the most symbolic figure of the party: a sardine. To the solemn act of the Burial of the Sardine will follow a verbena with a ball in the center of the city.
On March 5, in Plaza de la Viña, will be celebrated the Sunday of Piñata, with animations for children, traditional games and typical gastronomy of Alicante.
What character are you going to become this Carnival? We are waiting for you in Alicante with open arms!
