Sunday 22 February 2009

Not much in crisis time

Carnivals have always meant creativity, transgression, joy. People try to impersonate their dreams. A way to escape routine.
But this year, perhaps because of crisis, festivities aren't the same. There's an official programme based on popular parades and people collaboration.

Disguises are even related to the lack of money, of work, of home. These homeless people carrying their things in trolleys are a symbol of the situation.
Hippies are also much in fashion these Carnivals. I don't exactly know why. Perhaps, the idea of getting rid of material things.

And then, these soldiers as a counterpart to the peace movement. There is not "Sardine Burial Parade", at least not an official on. There will be a parade in a neighbourhood, but not much.
Situation may not be for jokes.

3 comments:

ivasil said...

Our customs at the beginning of the Lent are different. The last-but-one week-end before it, when people stop eating meat, it's a day for the dead: visiting the graveyards, having memorial services, food offerings.
The last week-end, before real lent begins and no animal product is allowed, there is the time for the living: reunions and parties with all the family and friends.
The old tradition was that on Monday all the dishes are cleaned and replaced with the feast dishes, untouched by animal product. Since Lent is very severe, people were not even supposed to cook the first week, have no wine or oil. But that is only done in monasteries, now.
And something funny: you can eat animals, however, as long as they are spineless: sea-food. :)))

ivasil said...

Just a question: who organizes all this? The local hall? Cultural organizations?
The first photo is nice, you can see the photographer's reflection.

caluad said...

Yes, The Town Hall organizes these popular fessitvities. Of course, cultural groups are needed, but the funding comes from the Town Hall.

Thank you for the compliment about the photo.
We'll ahve a walk today again to see if we can find more carnival moments