Carnaval!

First two midterms completed = overdue Carnaval update.

So. Carnaval. Basically a big party weekend right before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. People dress up in fun costumes and there are parades and other activities all over the city.

Friday: Aindrea and I went to the opening parade which ended in Plaza de la Villa. A bunch of people (actors, I'm assuming) were dressed up in kooky costumes were parading down the street to the plaza. The last to arrive was this jolly tubby man who I learned is called Don Carnal. Here in Plaza de la Villa, Don Carnal asked for the key to the city from some higher-up in the town (this was all spoken in Spanish. I understood most of it, but am kinda fuzzy on the details).

When he and his band of crazies received the key, he announced "La ciudad es nuestra! (The city is ours!)" and Carnaval has begun! It was really cool to see the skit play out and to see all the kooky costumes. "Viva Madrid y viva el Carnaval!"

Saturday: Aindrea and I also attended the grand parade near Banco de España. There were SO many people, but luckily were tall and were able to push our way to the front to catch some of the action.

There were all kinds of performers including dancers from different Spanish-speaking countries and acrobats. So exciting and SO many people. Seriously, we almost experienced a thrown-down between some older folk because they were arguing about being too short to see anything.

Quite amusing. Later that evening, we opted out of attending the giant REC Madrid in Casa de Campo and just wandered around Sol instead. Still a great night. Many an interesting costume were displayed downtown that night haha

Yayyy Carnaval! I'm so glad I was here to experience it. This week was full of studying since I had a midterm yesterday and today. Oh but I did go out for Venezuelan food Monday night with Gillian and Aindrea. Tonight, I'm having Ecuadorian food and possibly going out for a while. I really am having a wonderful time and get kinda sad when thinking about how we're almost halfway done with our time here. I feel like I've just arrived! Ah! Oh, and I have plans to go to Barcelona for the first half of Semana Santa. So yay :) Yep. Life is good, friends!