Torrevieja Carnival

THE FIRST Torrevieja Carnival parade was a colourful and fun afternoon affair on Sunday, despite it being chilly and cold for the participants.

Appreciative spectators cheered on each and every participant over the more than two hours the procession took to pass along the route.

As expected a strong turnout of both the public and performers was on show and even in times of crisis, it was a glittering affair that did not disappoint.

Some of the local schools and groups reused some of their costumes and routines from years gone by and those watching fully appreciated the ‘why not’ factor, as half the fun is the spectacle and the schools would rather participate an make this a worthy parade than not show, just because money is tight this year.

Not surprisingly, the event did not disappoint, a valuable point to remember as the Carnival of Torrevieja is in the process of being declared a regional attraction of tourist interest, and is all about a celebration that is deeply rooted, not only locally, but also for the hundreds of visitors who come to see it from other municipalities.

A total of thirty-one groups, number more than 2,000 people, from babies in pushchairs to great-great grandparents strutted their stuff.

The costumes, fantasies and choreography was evaluated by the jury after the parade finished, with Sunday’s parade dictating who the winners of Torrevieja Carnival 2012 will be.

Saturday

Those same 2,000 people and then some, especially with more ‘adult themes’ will join in the parade night of Saturday February 18, in which participants are always given free rein to use their imagination, more suggestive, Rio like dance moves and costumes, all without the limitation of being under the scrutiny of a jury.

The action starts on Saturday at around 9pm, so wrap up warmly, charge up your camera batteries, arrive early to find both parking and a suitable vantage point, and enjoy the fun.

The Night Parade can last for almost three hours, so be prepared.

Carnival Torrevieja is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, from the infectious smiles and waves of the toddlers in their costumes through the tongue in cheek outfits of some of the more risky artists, to the Drag Queens, who are the final attraction on route.

A great night of fun for kids of all ages, on Saturday in Torrevieja.

By Keith Nicol