Compare/Contrast

Carnival in Cadiz is not as popular as carnival in New Orleans. Spaniards in Cadiz, Spain celebrate with papier mache figures and satirical songs copied from Venice's celebration. Carnival was cancelled during the Spanish Civil War, but it has always been in Cadiz with several celebrations starting a week before Mardi Gras and ending a week after Mardi Gras. The main celebrations start the Saturday before Mardi Gras and end on Mardi Gras Day. In Cadiz the carnival procedures include a spirited procession, contests to choose the best singers and comedians, fancy dress balls, the selection of the queen of the festivities and fireworks. The main attraction is the procession which is held the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Children around the country are allowed to wear costumes and fancy dresses to schools.

Carnival in Cadiz, Spain

Madri Gras being celerbrated in New Orleans, Louisiana

How is Carnaval celebrated in the United States?

Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans, Lousiana, it is a carnaval celebration that is very well-known throughout the world. This celebration starts on Epiphany (January 6). It is a celebration of parades, balls, and king cake parties. There is one major parade each day throughout the celebration. The parades are organized by carnaval krewes. A krewe is carnival organizations that a organize Mardi Gras parade, hold a ball, and have Mardi Gras celebrations as their central purpose. Popular practices include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. In the final week of Carnival, many events large and small occur throughout New Orleans and surrounding communities. Krewe float riders toss throws to the crowds; the most common throws are strings of plastic colorful beads, doubloons (aluminum or wooden dollar-sized coins usually impressed with a krewe logo), decorated plastic throw cups, and small inexpensive toys. Major krewes follow the same parade schedule and route each year.

Kings Cake also known as Rosca De Reyes

Mardi Gras Mask

How Carnaval is celebrated in Cadiz, Spain

People come all over the world to celebrate Carnival in Cadiz. The Carnival in Cadiz is said to be the third largest in the world. The whole city participates in the carnaval for more than two weeks each year. Newcomers to the Cádiz carnival will probably first notice the elaborate costumes. The Cádiz carnival dominates the town and injects an explosive dose of color, music, and culture to the small city. The normally laid-back atmosphere is completely transformed into one huge street party. Music is possibly the most outstanding feature of carnival. The carnival is a fantastic mixture of Andalucian flamenco, African and Creole rhythms, sambas, and Columbian music. During this event many locals work hard throughout the year to develop their acts and perfect their performances.

Carnival History and Meaning

 Carnival is basically a celebration of life, it is a big party. This holiday is found in many countries worldwide. Hundreds of years ago, the followers of the Catholic religion in Italy started the tradition of a wild costume festival. This festive event occurs immediately before Lent, which is usually in February. During this time of celebration, circuses, parades, street parties, and other types of celebrations are often combined. While celebrating, people get very festive and dress up usually in masquerade attire.

Carnival being celebrated in Italy during the 1700's