Carnival in Cieza

Carnival is a popular custom in Cieza before the onset of lent

Carnaval (Carnival is spelt carnaval in Spain) is a Spanish custom throughout Spain and the Catholic World which takes place just before the start of Lent and 40 days before Easter.

The Carnival in Cieza is unique, full of humour and satire which are represented in its popular dances.  The Festivities start on Saturday with the Gran Desfile de Comparsas (a grand procession) which is full of originality, fantasy and imagination filling the main streets of the town with colour.

On the following days, the town’s citizens go out into the streets wearing costumes or homemade outfits “mamarrachos” and are entertained by the music and the different programmed activities. 

The biggest day of carnival is the Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins, which is known as Martes de Reventón.  In Cieza, families gather together on this day to enjoy a traditional torta with chocolates (a biscuity cake). This is unique to Cieza and part of its popular culture.

For more general information about Carnival in Spain, the customs behind it and the traditions it includes, click Carnival in Spain, what’s it all about?