Pretty pics

Ok just wanted to share these pictures now because they came out really well and I really like them.

Love the riv'.

Alright moving along. On Sunday, Eli and I went to Los Carnavales de Cádiz. It was SO cool and such an interesting experience. So Carnavales is something that is celebrated all over the world, most famously in Río de Janeiro, but also in various places all over Spain and in much of Latin America, I assume. I assume this because I think it's a Catholic thing-- a pre-Lent celebration. I think it takes slightly different forms in different places, but the one in Cádiz is a combination of maybe Christmas carols on steroids and Halloween, in a really awesome way. That's actually a pretty poor description of it but it's the best thing I can think of in relation to US holidays. Basically, people dress up in the coolest and most creative costumes, a lot of times in big groups of people, and go to Cádiz. And in Cádiz, there's a ton of singing groups called chirigotas that are a mix of a lot of different things: some are official ones that compete in the competition (I'll elaborate in a sec), some are "illegal" that just go to Cádiz and sing in the streets, and the amount of people in each one depends on the group, but they all sing songs that are usually comical and have some sort of social commentary threaded into them. The competition is something that takes place over the weeks before the actual festival weekend in Cádiz and is televised and what not, and there are different categories and winners that are announced the Friday before the festival weekend. I really didn't understand the lyrics of many of the songs I watched because what with the music, and people clapping and singing and dancing along, and talking in the background, and this and that, it was basically impossible, but it was still really cool to see all the funny costumes and what not. The amount of people was INCREDIBLE. If there was a chirigota in one of the streets, which were very, very narrow (as to be expected), you literally could not get through unless you threw some elbows. And then just normal walking in the streets was pretty claustrophobic, but you kind of went with the flow of the crowd and that was that. Eli and I went with Irene (my intercambio) and three of her friends, which was SO fun. We got lost a couple times, but no big deal. It was really fun talking with them and getting another wave of that cultural exchange: them being dumb-struck at the thought that I have my driver's license, and me telling them how weird it was for me to not go barefoot in the house. They were all super, super nice and great to get to know, and practice Spanish with!! Really the coolest part of the festival was people-watching; at one point, we sat down on the sidewalk to have lunch and just watched the people walk by. It was funny to see how some of them had gone super hard with their costumes, others were just wearing funny glasses or a hat, others without costume, and others still really dressed up and pretty. Another thing about Carnavales is that your experience really depends on when you go. Saturday night is the crazy night; people usually get busses to arrive there around 9 and then come back in the morning (no sleep). Sunday is a little more tranquilo, more family-oriented, more chirigotas instead of just fiesta fiesta. I was also surprised that I noticed very few foreigners on Sunday-- not sure if that was just a product of the fact that there were so many people, or if it was actually that way, but either way I liked it.

It was also interesting talking to Elvira about it after (just like with everything else). She told me she really loves Carnavales, for a lot of reasons, but because it's more "democratic" that festivals like La Feria in Sevilla. This is because Carnavales is truly open to any person, however they want to experience it, no matter where they're from or how much money they have or whatever. However, La Feria is a little different because it has these things (that I can't remember the name of right now) that are basically tents put up for La Feria that are private clubs where you can go and hang out, eat, drink, dance, and use the bathroom. Key. However, you have to be a member of these clubs the whole year and you have to pay for these clubs for the whole year. Then there's also the fact that the dresses for La Feria are expensive, and a lot of people go in horse-drawn carriages, which are expensive, and the food and drinks are expensive, too. So basically, it's a different experience for people who are, 1) not from Sevilla and so can't get into these "clubs" unless they know someone in them, or 2) don't have as much money and can't afford some of the luxuries that make La Feria that much better. Interesting thought.. Makes you wonder what other festivals around the world are more "democratic" and which ones are less so. 

On to pics.

Eli is ready.

Fre$h.

Totally hijacked this person's picture.. Looking good.

BUNNIES (Jill look out)

These guys were both dressed as SpongeBob and didn't look to pleased about it.. I just missed the picture before they walked by.

Yup, I'm taking a picture of you.

Mario Kart Bros 4 Life (or Burger Kings?)

This was probably my favorite costume.. Mary Poppins takes Carnavales.

One of the main plazas in Cádiz with just a few people in it

Minnie Mice and some balloons!

Look how cute.

Peace, love, mini guitars.

The ensemble is officially complete.

So this is one of the typical streets in Cádiz except this one was a dead end so it didn't have any people in it.. But just imagine it full of people. Like really full.

Indians

Cows!

Their version of carnival food (no fried dough to be found).. On the left are tiny little shrimp that you eat whole, shell and all, and I'm honestly not sure what the things on the right are.

Not really sure what these guys are but they get an A+ for dedication and creativity.

So many PEOPLE

These were all over the place.. Little stands with last-minute costume must-haves.

The cathedral ft. Carnaval crowds

Work it

One of the typical souvenirs for Carnavales are whistles. This was a stand for personalized ones.

More Carnaval food, all sea food. (Cádiz is on the water, if you couldn't tell.) Snails, mussels, those little shrimps, etc.

Yes, those are sea urchins. For eating.

More funky costumes. The wigs are definitely big.

Lots of confetti.

One thing I definitely didn't like about the festival was the HUGE (HUGE HUGE HUGE) amount of litter there was in the streets. People would just finish what they were eating/drinking and very deliberately throw it on the ground. Trash can three steps away? No problem!! I've got the ground to hold my trash even more effectively!!

This was the street where the parade passed through.. We actually didn't get to see it because, in true Spain form, it started an hour late so we had to go back to the train station before we could see it pass. But again, so many people lining the streets.

There's the ocean right over there!!

Killin' it.

Parade signs

All the people walking up to see the parade

Mimes (I think?)

Lots 'n' lots of potato chips

LOBSTERS IN SPAIN OMG

Blue haired cheetah, 'cause why not.

Irene and María

Slightly terrifying clown statue

Just some Egyptians

The whole crew

Hope you guys at home are all somewhat surviving the cold and snow.. Thinking of you!! XO

PS Shout out to Greely Swim Team for winning State title this week!! WOOHOO!!!