Carnival 2020 in Madrid

Carnival is that time of year many costume lovers have been waiting for, and Madrid’s districts have prepared a special programme for the event.

ShMadrid encourages you to visit the Entierro de la Sardina – a carnival parade – and other events. It will be great fun for everyone.

Today’s article will tell you more about Carnival 2020 in Madrid. Will you join the celebrations and excitement?

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How to celebrate Carnival 2020 in Madrid

Carnival is one of the most fun celebrations of the year in Madrid, and in 2020 these celebrations will take place from February 21 to 26. This is a time of all kinds of creative and magical costumes and disguises.

Photo by Nietjuh via Pixabay

Carnival is the perfect time to forget about everyday problems and to welcome spring with lots of enthusiasm and happiness. Carnival in Madrid usually begins with the reading of the proclamation, which most of the times is performed by a well-known person. Once the speech has ended, festivities everywhere in the city of Madrid will start.

An extensive and very varied programme with different activities is scheduled for Carnival week, and it can be enjoyed by both young and old. There are concerts, parades, workshops on how to create masks and costumes, dances and musical entertainment from all over the world.

The Great Parade will follow a route through the most important streets of Madrid on Saturday February, 22. And each year has a different theme, although every parade stands out for its dynamic, vibrant and colourful elements.

On this same day you can also go and see circus shows, theatre performances, and big bands. And at Plaza Mayor you can be a witness of the Baile de Máscaras (Masked Dance) or Carnival Masquerade. This event consists of a spectacular dance with orchestra music, and if you have the time, you can create your own original mask.

Photo by Couleur via Pixabay

Of course, carnival wouldn’t be complete without satire, so there are several performances by carnival groups (including chirigota music) showing the most striking events of the last year. To end this year’s Carnival season, there will be the Entierro de la Sardina (the Burial of the Sardine), and it takes place on Ash Wednesday.

The event consists of a parade through different districts and a large bonfire, and this is the traditional way of parting with this year’s carnival activities. The burial of the fish symbolizes the end of negative thoughts and corrupt actions.

After the burial the time has finally come to celebrate Lent, which takes place from February 26 to April 9. Take a moment to collect your thoughts, reflect and meditate during this period of repentance.

If you are curious about the origin of carnival, then it’s good to know that the first time this feast took place was before Christianity, and it lets us enjoy all the foods we are not allowed to consume during the time of Lent.

The residents of ancient Rome held a celebration in honour of the God of Wine, Bacchus, and it’s during those days that both slaves and citizens were treated as equals.

Do you know interesting facts about Carnival 2020 in Madrid?