Gran pasacalles de Carnaval

Pictures, courtesy of Anne, of Saturday's Grand Carnival procession where the wonderful people of Olvera once again show their fantastic community spirit, whether being participants or onlookers.

A first this year, a contribution from the expat community of Olvera.

The procession was led by big game hunters preceding a large cobra snake. Who's for dinner I wonder!!.

Plenty of pictures below that hopefully show the fun and atmosphere of the event.

Carnaval 2014

"Carnaval" time is nearly upon us and the schedule of events has been published by the Town Hall as follows:

Saturday 1st March at 18.00hrs at the Indoor Sports Centre. The opening proclamation of Carnival 2014.

Sunday March 2nd at 17.00hrs at the Indoor Sports Centre. A Carnival party with popular snacks and performances by the local Chirigota groups "Los que no se pierden una (los voluntarios), Aquí hay candela and Los que salen por la Tele". Also the presentation of awards in the Carnival Mask competition. 

Tuesday March 4th at 16.00hrs. A parade from of the pupils and students from the schools E.E.I. Gloria Fuertes, C.E.P. San José de Calasanz and C.E.I.P. Miguel de Cervantes, arriving at at the Indoor Sports Centre at 17.30hrs for a children's party and entertainment.

Wednesday 5th March at 10.00hrs. A parade of the infants from E.I. Olivo school on Calle Julián Besteiro arriving at the Indoor Sports Centre at 11.30hrs for a party and entertainment.

Thursday 6th March 19.00hrs until 24.00hrs at the Indoor Sports Centre. Performances and music from DJ Pérez.

Friday March 7th commencing at 19.30hrs. The Chirogota groups will be performing at various bars in town on routes as follows; 

Route 1."Los que no se pierden una" - Bar La Noria, Bar El Patio, Bar Copacabana, Bar Juanito Gómez, Bar La Jarrita, Bar Bocanegra, Bar Avenida, Bar Piscina Municipal and finally Cafe Manhattan.

Route 2. "Aqui hay Candela" - Hotel Sierra y Cal, Disco Pub El Frenazo, Bar Mi Pueblo, Cervecería Los Arbolitos, Bar Las Niñas, Bar Lirios, Bar El Traguito, Pub El Bruja and finally at Pub Más Madera.

Route 3. "Los que salen por la Tele" - Cafetería Hipanova, Bar El Parque, Cervecería Entrecaminos, Restaurante Gaby, Restaurante La Bodega, Restaurante Alfonso, Restaurante El Puerto,, Peña Madrilista and finally Café Bar Buddha.

Saturday 8th March commencing at 16.00hrs from Calle Llana. A grand carnival procession starting from Calle Llana and proceeding along Calles Victoria, Calvario, Plaza de la Concordia, Julián Besteiro, Cañada Real, Veredo de Pino and Los Ángeles, finishing at the fairground.

Between 19.00hrs and 24.00hrs a party with entertainment provided by DJ Chivo.

At 20.00hrs, judging and presentation of prizes for the best carnival costumes.

Between 02.00hrs and 06.00hrs, entertainment and music provided by DJ Pérez. 

Sunday 9th March at 13.30hrs in the Plaza de Andalucia (or the Indoor Sports Centre in case of rain). Performances by the Chirigota groups "Los shuntenticos chunguitos" from Seville and "Los niños cantores de viena ó de manolete". Also party games, face painting and bouncy castles for the children.

As always, please check the Town Hall website here for accuracy of times and information.

Have a great time at what I consider to be the best event of the Olvera calendar.  

Chirigotas

No Carnaval would be complete without mention of the Chirigota singing groups, whose blend of comedy, satire, wit, sarcasm and total lack of irreverence for all things political and authoritative, local and national, make them particularly popular with their audience.

To be honest, we don't understand all they sing about but the audience reaction suggests that they've sung about something typically topical and funny.  

 Today's concert was the last event of a great Carnaval week and we were happy to take advantage of the free hot meal of potato, chickpeas and tripe provided by the Ayuntamiento.

 "La Prima de Riesgo", one of the four groups in this years Carnaval.

 "A la tercera va la vencia".

 "Las Remedios, caminan o revientan".

 

 And finally "Los Recortaores".

Gran pasacalles de Carnaval

 The Grand Parade of the Carnaval today, when all the participants of the events during the week gather together for the final parade...and what a display it was!!. I think this was the largest parade we have seen in our years here and it was absolutely fantastic.

Anne, Monster, Paca and Gerry.

 It was good to see the Pope in attendance on one of his final appearances before leaving office.

Waiting for the start.

The Pope in waiting, giving his blessing to his adoring public.

A parody of "la crisis". Angela Merkel representing the cuts to the European budget. Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish Prime Minister was having his strings pulled somewhere else in the crowd.

 I think this baby's going to have real problems when it's born...very soon by the looks of it!!.  

 Brilliant fun.

 Our friend Francisco.

 This years Carnaval "queens".

 The fabulous, fantastic people of Olvera. A real community.