Friday, September 08, 2006

Burying Sardines in Buenavista

It's incredible to think that we are talking about Carnaval again, when summer isn't over yet - at least here it isn't - but it does have to be planned ahead, especially if you are participating or coming to the island from abroad to see any of the grand spectacle. If you are thinking of coming, you want to know what you can expect to see.

While we've shown you photos of Carnaval Queens and revelries in the streets, something that I was not aware of is that the most curious of the Carnaval celebrations the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) is, "without doubt", says this site, "one of the most popular fiestas" in Buenavista.

The Burial of the Sardine is an entirely OTT, blasphemous funeral which symbolically marks the end of the festivities. The "deceased" is followed by a cortege of wailing widows; men dressed up like pantomime dames - as you can see (we hope even their mothers would not know them) - and who are "on the game". And Marchaymas.com have HEAPS photos to prove it!

They also have more photos from the Romeria in Garachico this year, Shakira's concert a few weeks ago and many other animated events in and around the area. Never let it be said that folk don't know how to have a good time here! :)