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Carnival, the most extravagant festival of the year (known here as 'Carnestoltes') is drawing near. Lasting one week, from Shrove Thursday to Ash Wednesday, this year it will take place from the 31st of January to 6th of February. Musical groups and dances, masks and costumes will be the protagonists of this period of frenzied entertainment which gives reason to the saying 'In Carnival, anything goes'.

Carnival has pagan roots and its origins lie in old festivals such as the Roman Saturnalia (characterised by the undermining of everyday rules), and more generally, in the celebrations of the arrival of spring. In the Christian tradition, the festival precedes Lent, a period of 40 days of fasting and penance which comes to an end at Easter.

Carnival has remained strong despite the prohibitions it has undergone, and today it is celebrated by many in different parts of the world. In the Catalan Countries it is celebrated in Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú (Garraf), Vinaròs (Baix Maestrat), Solsona (Solsònes), etc.

Particularly spectacular and worldwide famous are the carnivals of Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, New Orleans, Cadiz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Venice, which will start tomorrow and continue until 5th February.