The Medieval Carnaval in Cádiz
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Mar 10th, 2009
Within the medieval walls that separate the winding streets of ancient Cádiz from the modern world, I welcomed in The Millennium with my wife Ruth, nine years ago. Our celebration in Cádiz was so magical that we returned the next year, 2001, to participate in its legendary Carnaval, which has been occurring un-interrupted for centuries, even in the most difficult of times.
I am not a utopian or a romantic. Not for a minute would I like to trade the opportunities for individual growth that we have today. After all, Ruth’s and my grandparents were emigrants who left that culture in order to improve their lives – and those of their children. But, as with everything, this freedom has been bought at a price: individualism and mobility can fray family ties.
