CARNIVAL!

Spending Carnival in Sitges, Spain was one of the most memorable cultural experiences that I have had thus far in Catalonia. The energy and the excitement of all the people gathered for the festival is contagious. My encounter with carnival began as I was walking to dinner with two of my friends down gran de gracia. I didn't realize that there would be a parade and suddenly, I was bought into a world of candy flying from every directions, people screaming with delight, umbrellas waving in the air to catch candy, and drums blaring through the streets as a parade moved towards the city center. I was amazed to see such a thing. This experience was very fun and although I was already planning on going to Sitges for Carnival, this made me that much more excited.

I went to Sitges on the Tuesday before Carnival ended. We arrived earlier than most and walked to where the parade was being held. It was crazy. There were so many people singing and dancing. Each parade had a unique theme and it was really fun and interesting to see the different themes.

Alice in Wonderland Float

Energized Dancers

Superhero Float

Dragon Float

My friends and I in the road watching the parade

There were so many people!

I think going to Carnival was an important cultural experience because it opens your eyes to how life is in Catalonia and what they value. I think that if someone were to see 4th of July, Halloween, or other holidays that are coveted in America, they would get a sense of what life is like in that country. Although I was only there for a few hours, I know that this event was very important and cultural stimulating.