It seems like seconds ago since New Year’s Eve, but somehow Carnival Season is now just around the corner…
Most of us have heard of the massive Mardi Gras Celebrations in New Orleans, the huge riotous processions of Brazil, and the masked Balls of Venice, but before we lived abroad, I hadn’t realised how much of a big deal it is in other countries too…
Whatever you want to call it – Carnival, Fasching, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras – it’s all about having a huge knees up before Lent – one last chance to let your hair down before being extremely disciplined for the next 40 days with whatever it is you might be giving up (I did once try to give up school, but my Mother wasn’t having any of that!)…
I love how different countries make the festival their own too – there are all sorts of interesting rites and rituals surrounding it depending on where you are and who you speak to! In Denmark we celebrated with cats in barrels and stuffed our faces with the most exquisite fastelavn-boller (think dressed up Danish pastries – real ones!). Here in Munich it’s also a big deal with costumes in every shop in the run up to the big day. Then it’s all about seasonal doughnuts (in just about every flavour you can think of!), massive processions, the usual “spirited revelry” and last year – lots of snow.
In Tenerife Carnival season started in early February, with huge festivities in the streets of its capital Santa Cruz and across the whole island. Celebrations carry on until March 9th with various masked balls, daytime family Carnivals, and various other galas and parades taking place. Then on Ash Wednesday, celebrations are wound up with the weird and wonderful Funeral of the Sardine – where an enormous cloth and paper sardine is carried through the streets, followed by a menagerie of equally weird and wonderful “mourners”, before the giant fish is ceremonially cremated. This year the Santa Cruz Carnival theme is Cartoons, but on previous years it has included subjects as diverse as Bollywood, Hollywood and Space!
My knowledge of Tenerife wasn’t up to much before looking into its Carnival traditions, but I will admit that I am quite intrigued by the place now… It appears to have worked really hard to move away from the package holiday image of the 80’s and 90’s, and today you can find lots of luxury 4 and 5 star accommodation across the island. In many ways it seems an ideal family destination with pretty much something for everyone – from eco-friendly nature reserves to delve into, pristine sandy beaches to relax on, and of course the iconic black volcanic terrain to explore…. As you might expect, outdoor activities are plentiful here too, and the island has become well-known for mountain biking, horse-riding and what with it being an island – fishing…
It’s probably obvious from my posts, but one of the things that tempts me to visit a place is the food, as is the case for my other half. When I told him that I was writing this post earlier, he relayed fond childhood culinary memories of a meal atop Mount Teide, where he indulged in a dish of rabbit in mustard sauce in a tiny local restaurant… I personally like the sound of the famous Canarian Seafood Casserole, perhaps with one or two papas arrugadas on the side (the renowned wrinkled potatoes)…
And having found all that out, I think I really would consider Tenerife* as a destination nowadays. Besides, I have experienced plenty of Carnivals in the snow, so to see it in the sun would be nice! Plus I want to see The Funeral of the Sardine! Oh well, one day maybe! I will be looking at Web Tenerife the official site of Tenerife Tourism to help plan any future trip though – most in-depth and informative destination planning website ever!
*Disclaimer – partnered post – I was asked to write this post by Tenerife Tourism, and was compensated for doing so. All words and thoughts are my own however.
Mama Syder says
I do love a good carnival! Our little town (which really is more like a village) hosts its own carnival every year. Its an evening one so there are lots of pretty lights and we look forward to it so much. Great fun xxx
bavaria says
That sounds brilliant fun… Do you all dress up too? Thank you Mama S! :) xxx
Liska @NewMumOnline says
Great post. I have been to a festival in Germany. Can’t remember the place but I think it was called Mainz or something like that. It’s a February one.
Liska xx
bavaria says
The one in Mainz sounds crazy, and will be starting in a day or so!! Thanks Liska! :)
beachhutcook says
I miss carnivale season in Germany. Normally a very orderly country goes crazy! Boy did I see a lot of crazy when we lived there! Then all back to normal. Best of times. Elinor x
bavaria says
They do like to let their hair down from time to time! Thanks Elinor! :) xx
Bek says
Wow! I’ve learnt lots from your post, thank you! I know very little about carnivals, I would love to go to one one day.
bavaria says
Thank you Bek! :)
fritha says
I’ve never been to a carnival! looks great fun x
bavaria says
Thanks Fritha… There’s always a first time! :) x
Emily @amummytoo says
What fun! I’ve never been to a carnival, not even when I lived in London. Reading your post makes me realise I should make an effort to change that :)
bavaria says
I was speaking to a Bavarian person yesterday and they couldn’t understand why our carnivals all seem to be in the summer. Thank you! :D
Kara says
This looks like so much fun and how intricate is that costume – just beautiful
bavaria says
Thank you Kara! :)
Trish says
I didn’t know about the Tenerife carnival but the island will always be special in my eyes – I met my husband there, and life’s been one big carnival since then!!
bavaria says
I love the story of how you met – it was meant to be! Thanks Trish! :)
Charlotte says
Some amazing pictures there!
bavaria says
Thanks Charlotte! :D
Cass@frugalfamily says
That looks like a lot of fun although those horsey people may give me nightmares tonight ;-)
bavaria says
They are slightly freaky aren’t they? :D Thank you…
Mummy of Two says
I’ve never been to a carnival myself. They look like so much fun. I love all of the colours.
bavaria says
Thank you! (:
Kizzy says
I never knew other countries celebrated with huge carnivals!
bavaria says
Thanks Kizzy! :)
Lucy Dorrington says
I would love to know more about the sardine! Does he have a back story? Is it a he? I smell another blogpost! :-D x
bavaria says
I think he is just an ancient part of Tenerife Carnival Tradition! :D Thank you Lucy! :)
Indiapink says
The carnival costumes are amazing! I’ve not considered Tenerife as a holiday destination but the carnival sounds great fun and it looks as though there is so much more to see on the island then you think xx
bavaria says
Thank you Luce! xx
Sylvia says
I have never been to a carnival before but would love to go! It looks like so much fun :)
bavaria says
Thank you Sylvia! It does doesn’t it! :)
Lauren says
what an experience, I didn’t know anything about this at all! I feel un cultured now!
bavaria says
Thanks Lauren!, I didn’t know about this Carnival either! :)
mellissa williams says
I’ve been to Tenerife and I never knew they had a carnival!
My little town has an Elvis festival, how strange it that lol
bavaria says
Love the sound of an Elvis Festival, how cool is that? :D
Jo Laybourn says
Now I’ve been to Tenerife but never a big carnival or parade on that kind of scale! Maybe one day!
bavaria says
Thanks Jo! :)
agatapokutycka says
I wish one year I would be able to experience it up close… it must be an amazing feeling being a part of a real carnival
bavaria says
It would be wouldn’t it? Thanks Agata! :)
Keri-Anne says
i LOVE carnivals. My town has a street carnival every year and it goes past my house :) It’s great and then there is a huge party and fun fair after x
bavaria says
That sounds great. Thanks Keri-Anne! :)
Cakesphotoslife (Angie) says
WOW!! I never knew any of that, think I will have to look into a little more and think about a trip early next year to witness one of these shows x
bavaria says
Thanks Angie! :) x
laura redburn says
ooh, looks like a fun time!
bavaria says
Thank you Laura! :)
Carolin says
German Carnival -my personal worst nightmare, haha. The Brazilian and Tenerifian however, I would happily experience. Must be the hideous carnival shows on German telly that put me off ;)
bavaria says
That really made me laugh Carolin, thank you! :D
Pinkoddy says
I really need to start planning more travelling. Thank you as always for sharing your knowledge and pictures.
bavaria says
And thank you for reading it! :) x
You Baby Me Mummy says
Wow! Amazing pictures, looks such fun x
bavaria says
Thanks so much! :)
A Patchwork Life says
think I remember the top photo, or a photo like it…it’s one that stays with you! Had no idea about Tenerife carnivals, they look spectacular – shame we don’t have more of a pre-Lent knees up here…hard to get that excited about pancakes… x
bavaria says
You don’t even get pancake races very often anymore either do you? Thank you xx
Domestic Goddesque says
you know I think I’ve just found a great excuse to add Tenerife to this year’s holiday list. Looks like it could be super fun!
bavaria says
Thank you! It looks great doesn’t it! :D
Shell Louise says
We used to have a carnival in our village every year in Derbyshire. I loved dressing up and riding on the back on one of the carnival floats; crepe paper and streamers would blow in the breeze while crowds of people lined the pavements. It was so exciting!
The only carnival I know that still goes ahead every year is Little Eaton Carnival. I think towns and villages should bring back carnivals because getting them organised brought the community together.
bavaria says
It would definitely help community wouldn’t it. Thank you Shell! :)
Vaichin @Rambling Through Parenthood says
I have never actually been to a carnival or parade. Tenerife looks like the perfect place to remedy that.
bavaria says
I think so too! :) Thank you!
Funky Wellies says
Kicking off tomorrow here… ;)
Looking forward to it and to our traditional party, costumes are ready! xx
bavaria says
Have fun!!! :) xx
anna m says
It looks like lots of fun, with all the vibrant colours and of course the food! I don’t think I’ve ever been to a proper carnival. Notting Hill is not far from us but never been – maybe when the kids are a little older
bavaria says
We used to love Nottinghill when we lived in London, hectic, but super fun and with great music and food! :D Thank you Anna! :)
leonii says
I have never been to a carnival, This makes me really want to give it ago though looks fun!!
bavaria says
Thanks Leonii! :)
Michelle says
Wow – did not know how much it was celebrated all over the world – makes our pancake day look rather boring!!
bavaria says
Thanks Michelle, it surprised me as well! :)
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer says
I love the idea of giving up school for lent lol! Other cultures are always fascinating and fun. We English seem so dull in comparison. I love the stuff you share about your travels and hope you get to Tenerife!
bavaria says
I thought the giving up school thing was a great idea at the time! :D Thanks Anya, maybe one day! :)
Donna @ Little Lilypad Co says
This carnival looks awesome! I have never been to a real carnival but this definitely makes me want to experience it!
bavaria says
Thanks Donna, love Carnival season! :)
Jazzygal says
I love those carnival photos! Our Irish ‘carnival’ or it’s equivalent is the St Patrick’s Day Parade and it’s bang smack in the middle of Lent! There is an Irish rule though. All lenten promises are forgiven on March 17th ;-)
I’ve been to The Canaries and Lanzarote but never Tenerife. Maybe next on my list!
xx Jazzy
bavaria says
Thanks Jazzy… I spent a very happy Saint Patrick’s day in Ennis once, I don’t remember tooo much about it, but it was fun! :D I have not been to anything in that region really, one day! :)
Lisa from Lisa's Life says
Wow, I didn’t realise there were carnivals almost everywhere! Fantastic :)
bavaria says
Thank you Lisa, and great cakes everywhere too! :D
Grace says
Love the sound of the Tenerife Carnival – beats the bitter cold of last years Fasching! Never thought of Tenerife for a holiday destination, although my boss always went there for his holidays, looks lovely. Carnival wherever it is held is fun – come on England wake up to Carnival time to help us forget this miserable winter in UK! x
bavaria says
Thanks Mum… Yes, I don’t think there will be snow for this Fasching though… :D Remember “Angela Merkel” that was funny! :D
Victoria Gallimore says
That looks/sounds brilliant! :)
bavaria says
Thank you V… I remember you going to Tenerife when you were younger… :D xx
older mum in a muddle says
That’s good to know that Tenerife is trying to get away from the package holiday image… and I never knew the island was so carnival crazy!
Now I love the idea of seasonal doughnuts – Yum…. But I can’t believe how pikey this country is – we have pancake day – that’s it, no dressing up, just a mix of flour, eggs, and milk. Meh. X
bavaria says
Me neither… Yes, I would be tempted to visit nowadays! I do love pancakes too however, especially when we have smuggled in golden syrup!!! :D xx
valerie rees says
Many moons ago Tenerife was our half term ‘go to’ break for some much needed R & R and sunshine. The closest we Brits could find in February was on the island of Tenerife. There was always somewhere new to explore from quiet strange looking black sand beaches to beautiful mountain scenery. One year we were lucky enough to be there with Mr. R’s Gran and little brother at Carnival time. We made the long trek across the island to see what it was all about and we were not disappointed. The beautifully crafted costumes and atmosphere rivalled Rio. It was truly a loud colourful spectacle not to be missed. To date I have not seen another carnival to match it.
Oh and Mr. R left behind forgot to feed the dog!
bavaria says
Thanks for the lovely comment Val… Happy Holiday Memories! How fantastic that you got to see Carnival! Mr R happened to read this over my shoulder. He got to the bit about not feeding the dog, and said “what dog”… He claims to have remembered now, but to me that just about says it all! :D xxx
Ace CB @ Life in Dutch says
Munich’s looks like Tilburg’s version of Carnival. Cold and crazy costumes and the “spirited revelry” =)
bavaria says
Oh yes, there’s plenty of that! Thank you Ace! :)
Mary Keynko says
CAn’t imagine the festival goers in Munich wearing the glittery bikinis though – not without a thermal vest underneath!
bavaria says
Mary, you would be surprised at what costumes you see here, snow or no snow! :D Thank you xx
Mammasaurus says
I love that top photo – it’s like dreams I have!
Ive never been to a carnival abroad before – another thing to add to my list of things I want to do soon. And my, doesn’t that bottom photo look like Katy Hill?!
bavaria says
It actually does doesn’t it… I had to wonder if I was actually dreaming with that top photo. Just around the corner from the horses was a load of people with lego heads. Just too surreal! :D
Gran Canaria Local says
Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Carnaval is rightly famous. But the Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also worth checking out. Where Tenerife’s neighbours certainly get into the party spirit.
bavaria says
Thank you! I do like finding out about all these new Carnivals! :D
Sonya Cisco says
I LOVE a good carnival! The colours and energy are so uplifting!
bavaria says
The ones here are great fun, and people are out whatever the weather. Love the look of the ornate costumes at the Tenerife one though, bit closer than Brazil too! :)
Louisa says
With the Munich festival, you had me at seasonal doughnuts! : )
bavaria says
They are Amazing Louisa, not good if you are supposed to be on a diet (like me!)… My favourite has to be the eierliquor one (egg punch) delicious! :D Thank you! :)