Sitges, Spain

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us”

This weekend I attended the carnival in Sitges, Spain and it was one of the best musical festival experiences I have ever had. Upon arrival to Sitges, the streets are filled with thousands of people wearing bright and vibrant colors. Whether that be wearing a costume, makeup, or wigs. The amount of effort that is put in to keep this tradition alive really astonishes me because so much time and effort is put into making this huge extravagant carnival happen for all of it’s community. As I have mentions in previous blog’s, I really enjoy on how intense and passionate the culture is here. It is refreshing to see how thousands of people from all over Spain come together to have a great time. All the people are nice and want you to have a great time as well.

The Sitges carnival history is more than 100 years old and a legend tells that the first time the word “Carnestoltes” was heard was on the notice of a 15th century Sitges jester named Carles de Can Torras. It was because of the illiteracy and dyslexia of the writer of his obituary that instead of putting his name, put Calrestorles. This jester died on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Over time, the imagination of the townspeople caused Carles Torres, whose name was written as Calrestorles, to be remembered as Carnestoltes. Every year the city welcomes almost a quarter of a million visitors of all nationalities that fill the streets wanting fun and disinhibition. This day is said to be the day where everyone is to go wild and have one last night of sins before Ash Wednesday. This is why people are given the opportunity to dress up and transform into anything they desire and just have fun with all the music and food.

I also learned that Sitges,Spain is actually the most populated city for the LGBTQ+ community. The night life is amazing with restaurants and bars with music that make you want to dance! It is incredible to have a town where the LGBTQ+ community can be themselves and really embrace their identity and their loved ones no matter what. Sitges really showed me how welcoming and open minded Spain is to this community and I think it is fantastic.

The best way to describe Carnaval is, imagine it to be like Halloween like in the United States, instead their is no trick or treating. People just dress up in the most clever costumes and hang out at the beach, walk around, go out to eat, grab a drink, etc. This feels like a time for families to gather together and have a great time outside and listen to their favorite music. By the night time the atmosphere changes. The night comes alive and nothing but clubs and bars are open. This is the time where people have the most fun and meet the most people as they celebrate this special weekend.

Lastly, there is a huge parade around this small town that is comprised of around 50 floats that each have different music and dances. Some are small children from local day cares, others are marching bands. Most of them are all children from the local town that help make this day come to life. They spend time learning and memorizing a dance just to perform on this day. They are also all in different costumes which just emphasizes the powerful culture that is within this special weekend.

I really admire the inclusiveness that this parade has and I especially loved to learn of the histories to such big events. Even my host family strongly encouraged me to attend this Carnaval as it is a moment in which you will want to relive all over again.