Every year during the weeks and days leading up to the Catholic tradition of Lent, cities all around Spain come alive with costumes. In every store, and on every street, there is something new to see. You might find someone in an animal print onesie; or spot a family where the parents are dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Pac-man and their kids as the colorful ghosts. Even more impressively, there could be someone dressed as a badminton birdie, with a plastic laundry basket hanging from their shoulders. Along with the extravagant costumes, there's so much dancing! Whole streets are shut down so moving brass bands can play loud chilangas (dance songs) in the street as people dance around them. Small travelling amusement parks with roller coasters and merry-go-rounds pop up overnight. You can walk around and enjoy yourself while eating orejas, ear-shaped fried pastries covered in powered sugar. All of this and more are the hallmarks of Spanish Carnavales.
