Carnaval and Correfoc

Until I went to Germany on my gap year, I was completely unaware of the idea of Carnival in February. Our carnival in Pewsey at home is in September (as well as the Wheelbeerow Race)… But in England the most we stretch to at this time of year is Pancake Day (one of the best days of the year) on Shrove Tuesday. Of course in true British style, we had to celebrate pancake day (although a couple of days late as I only got back late on actual Pancake Day having flown from the UK). Everyone had fun flipping the pancakes and I miraculously managed to pull off a double flip! (I’m sure I will never manage that ever again, it was definitely a fluke!!)

So, last weekend was Carnaval in Tarragona. Similar to the carnivals we know in the UK, there are processions with floats accompanied by people, with each float having a different theme. I was actually at home for most of the celebrations but I did experience some part of carnival when we went to Cos Blanc in Salou at the end of January, which was a carnival procession as well as a giant confetti party! (I am still finding confetti EVERYWHERE…) Valentina told me that the one here in Tarragona at the weekend was beautiful so it’s a shame that I missed it!

On Tuesday evening when I got back, the bars in the square below all started closing their terraces and people started gathering, so I knew something was going to happen, but I didn’t know that people would be running around with fireworks!

Maddie and I were terrified but I think this was justified as there were no barriers and Maddie ended up getting burnt by one of the ashes! Let’s just say that Spain and England have very different ideas of health and safety! Next time I’ll definitely just watch from my balcony! A couple of the teachers at school saw my instagram stories and said they also think it’s crazy so at least I’m not the only one!!