Pushing past all the drunk Spaniards in Twenty, the most popular student nightclub in pint-sized Burgos, I noticed an odd assortment of X-Men characters, cowboys, and Robin Hoods getting their groove on to Eurotrash music (stereotypes do start somewhere), sparsely interjected with Black Eyed Peas or Lady Gaga. Or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Still a newcomer to Burgos, it took me a few moments to realize that this huge, poorly soundtracked costume fest was due to Carnaval, a week-long celebration that involves a variety of parades and other outdoor events and, of course, costumes.
The weekend progressed with more costumes: members of Kiss, matadors, bull runners, 80s aerobics instructors, Jokers, and soldiers. During the daylight hours, little kids ran all over the center of Burgos dressed as little Zoros, princesses, firemen, Supermen, and SpongeBob Squarepants (there is nothing cuter than a three-foot tall yellow box bobbing down a medieval bridge on red stockinged feet). Being a lazy college student with incredibly important things to do, such as hang out on Facebook all day, I cannot admit to having participated in many of the events, but I did venture out on Sunday evening to experience more than just tales of the--apparently--famous Burgos Carnaval.
Despite the biting cold, I managed to catch part of a jubilant procession heading down El Paseo de Espolón, lead by a colorful entertainer on stilts. I expected him at any moment to burst out into "Topsy Turvy" from Hunchback of Notre Dame because, well, he looked just like the jester, except that he was not animated.
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Following the procession, and a quick coffee, I witnessed the appearance of Lo monstre*, the mythical Burgos dragon in search of public affection and some comestibles. The dragon and his followers stopped in front of El Arco de Santa María, where the dragon rose up into the air, spread his wings, and blew smoke out of his pulleyed jaws.
The mechanical aspect of the presentation was rather fascinating, actually, but I do have to admit that the Spaniards possess a plethora of odd customs, such as burying sardines. No joke. ¡Viva Carnaval!**
*the monster
**long live the carnival
Entierran sardinas???? Cuando?
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