The month of February, although the most concise of the year, brings together a good number of events without neglecting one of the most celebrated festivals. At the height of the spectacle in Rio de Janeiro or Venice, Cadiz is a landmark for the idiosyncrasy, cultural value and attendance of its Carnival. But it is not the only one of undisputed historical relevance. The carnival of Fuentes de Andalucía, 50 kilometers from Seville, is an event to attend at least once in a lifetime.
Beyond the influx and interest aroused by chirigotas and comparsas, the carnival of Fuentes de Andalucía has a great convening power precisely because it is unique in its essence.
A carnival whose history dates back to the dawn of the twentieth century and maintains the traditions that saw its birth at the beginning of the century.
It starts on “Maundy Thursday”, the day that kicks off this festivity, the day before Ash Wednesday. In the town, neighbors congregate in Fuente de la Reina, the rural park in the vicinity, to enjoy a family meal, including snack, the popular ‘entornao’.
This typical sweet consists of a kind of pie, made with flour, water, sesame seeds, sugar, cinnamon and ground bell pepper, which gives it its orange appearance.
Masks, a sign of the Fuentes de Andalucía Carnival
This 2025, from February 27 to March 9 will be developed the program of its carnival, whose main distinctive feature are the “masks”.
These elements, often made of rags and rugs, are capable of disfiguring the face and body, and those who wear them also modify their voice, making use of falsetto.
To the masks are added picturesque, almost impossible costumes, harmonized by the performances of murgas and other musical groups in charge of the neighbors of the locality.
The events are held on Carrera Street, one of the main streets of the town, where the various activities will take place over 11 days. The festival culminates on Piñata Sunday with the traditional Burning of the Entornao.