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Carnival in Barcelona

Carnival in Barcelona, timed just before the Lenten fast, is spent indulging in soon-to-be-forbidden pleasures. The city streets become a stage for lively celebrations, from tortilla-making competitions to the all-singing, all-dancing Gran Rua de Carnaval parade.

On Jueves Lardero (Fatty Thursday), a tortilla competition takes place, judged on taste, filling and presentation. Catalonians are also handy when it comes to spicy meats, especially sausages. Fuet and salchichas will have picante explosions dancing on your tongue - you'll wish you had been born in Catalonia just for the pleasure of sampling them every day.

Carnival weekend sees revellers converge on the market places and streets to watch as the local carnival guilds and commercial establishments compete for the much acclaimed pimiento de oro - golden pepper. On Saturday afternoon the celebrations reach a climax with the Gran Rua de Carnaval, a colossal parade of adorned carriages and carnival groups and a snowfall of confetti.

All good things must come to an end and the celebrants mark the occasion appropriately with a funeral. The king of carnival has, after all, died and taken the carnival with him. A funeral cortege of his widows and entourage, all suitably dressed in black, mourn his passing.

When: 11 - 14 Feb 2010 (annual)

Where: Barcelona

Cost: Free

Fuernte: http://www.whatsonwhen.com