The most festive and colourful season of the year is approaching and Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Huelva and Punta Cana are getting ready to celebrate carnival time with joy, music and fancy dress. At Garden Hotels, we invite you to enjoy this unique experience, immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of the celebrations and discovering the local culture surrounding our hotels. See how lively the carnivals are for yourself, in destinations such as Mallorca, Punta Cana and Huelva.
Sa Rua and Sa Rueta liven up the streets of Mallorca
Together with our hotels in Mallorca, the island’s many towns and villages put on a colourful and lively celebration. Two events not to be missed during Carnival are those in the capital of Mallorca: Sa Rua, Palma’s popular costume parade (11 February), and Sa Rueta, a parade designed especially for the little ones (4 February). Both offer a spectacle of creative costumes, infectious music and a fun competition that attracts visitors and locals alike. As a curious fact, this year marks 45 years since the celebration was resumed in 1979, promoted by the neighbourhood associations of Sa Calatrava after 40 years without taking to the streets. In addition to Palma, municipalities such as Alcúdia, Inca and Marratxí also organise their own Rua.
“Els darrers dies” in Menorca and Ibiza
From 9 to 11 February, Ciutadella (Menorca), very close to Marinda Garden Aparthotel, will be transformed into an enchanted forest to celebrate the magic of the themed carnival that they have prepared for residents and visitors to the island. It is one of the most important parades in Menorca, although many villages will also proudly show off their carnival proposals. This time of year is also known as “els darrers dies”, as it coincides with the last days when meat could be eaten before Lent.
In Santa Eulària des Riu, the municipality of Ibiza where our Tropic Garden Hotel & Apartments are located, the residents combine their patron saint festivities with the Rua de Carnaval, which takes place on the 13 February. Days before, on 10 February, the festival fills the streets of Ibiza’s capital with colour, and the town hall will give out 18,000 euros to the winners in the categories of school groups, social groups, dance academies, general groups and individuals or couples.
Comparsas and chirigotas, the hallmark of Huelva carnival
The Huelva carnival has a long history and is rooted in the popular culture of the region. Here they celebrate the Carnaval Colombino, which has been warming up since the end of January. Although it has evolved over the years, it retains traditional elements such as music, dance, costumes, murgas and chirigotas (groups that perform comic songs). One of the most outstanding features of the Huelva carnival is the comparsa parades, where groups of people in costume parade through the streets of the city to the rhythm of the music. The team at Garden Playanatural Hotel & Spa will surely enjoy these festivities.
Punta Cana celebrates 15 years of carnival
In Punta Cana, which is home to our Playa Coral Apartments, the carnival will celebrate its 15th edition this year. There, large carnival troupes and groups parade through the main streets of the city on 3 February, displaying colourful costumes, infectious music and traditional dances. Parades often feature decorated floats, musicians, dancers and costumed participants. And there is also the crowning of the King or Queen Momo, one of the surprises of the carnival gala that distinguishes influential personalities in Spain. Organised by Grupo Puntacana, the massive event has 10 grandstands distributed along the parade route.
At Garden Hotels we encourage you to enjoy the carnival in person, and what better way to do that but by dressing up! And, above all, immerse yourself in the popular culture of each of the destinations. Because as Celia Cruz said, “Life is a carnival and sorrows are sung away”.
