Fuengirola has never been known for its Carnaval celebrations. That's not really a problem given that San Geraldo and I have never been known for searching out those kinds of revels. (Although I am just lately back in touch with an exceptionally dear old friend from San Diego who once —
that I know of — flashed her [substantial] breasts during Mardi Gras in New Orleans just to get me a couple of ropes of purple and green bead necklaces that I guess I must have needed.)
 |
| THE KING OF SPAIN... |
Since arriving in Spain, I've been interested in experiencing, at least once, a traditional Carnaval. The city of Cádiz is famous for its celebrations — parades, costumes, music. But the crowds and noise may be more than San Geraldo can handle. This weekend has been the predominant Carnaval weekend (Torremolinos, just 20 minutes away, celebrates next weekend) and we figured we would just let it slip by. So, it was a really nice surprise to arrive at Meson Salvador for dinner last night to find the restaurant filled with people enjoying the music of a "chirigota," which means
a joke or something characterized by good humor,
and is a group of Carnaval folk-singers who wear costumes and perform satirical songs.
The Chirigota at Meson Salvador in Los Boliches...
We got there just in time to see the chirigota perform one final song
(above); and for us to grab the one remaining table inside. This year, the group decided to lampoon the King of Spain
(which included gold animal heads on the fronts of their hats — a slam at the King's unfortunate Botswana safari). Next year, I'll be sure to be at Meson Salvador for the entire performance.
 |
| THE KING OF SPAIN (AND A SINGER IN THE BAND). |
 |
| THE KING OF SPAIN. |
 |
| THE KING OF SPAIN. |
 |
| THE KING(S) OF SPAIN.. |
 |
| I WONDER WHO MY FRIEND HAS TO FLASH TO GET ME ONE OF THOSE TAMBOURINE HATS. |
Lucky you for getting a table and the last performance, Mitch!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos too!
Jim:
DeleteIt was uplifting.
Love those jingly hats! What does the (is it lipstick kisses) red on the cheeks mean? At any rate.... it all looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteThe red spots on the cheeks were historically a cheap way to create a "mask." Now it's part of the tradition.
There'd be trouble if Franco was still around.
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteYou are so right.
You guys really are having a great time aren't you! Poor Kingy!!!
ReplyDeleteRon:
DeleteWe have to work just a little to find these kinds of traditions here. But Meson Salvador is a great place to feel "local."
Looks like a party to me, sounds like a good time was had by all. Perhaps they should have had red noses instead of cheeks?
ReplyDeleteCheapchick:
DeleteWhat's funny is that in the first photo (the one of the real king), it looks like he's got those red spots on his cheeks, too.
The real King (real, in both languages) doesn't look like he's been going hungry.
ReplyDeleteRaybeard:
DeleteHe DOES look well-fed, doesn't he?
I don't know who she will have to flash Mitch, but they are going to have to be big, firm whoppers to secure one of those hats methinks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot.
Di
xoxo
Di:
DeleteWell, it's been a long time, so I don't know how firm ... but they are whoppers!
That looks like so much fun, can't wait to see your photos next year!
ReplyDeleteJacquelineand...
DeleteCádiz would be really fun to see.
Lol. Spain looks like the place to be.
ReplyDeleteLady Lilith:
DeleteIt's a great place!
I must must MUST take a history course on Spain. I want to know how and what became of the Royals during Franco's reign. I want to know what became of the Spanish Empire. I want to know The Royal Family.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteI was surprised at how little Spanish history I DID know until we decided to move here. It's fascinating... and I have SO much more to learn. A history class wouldn't be a bad idea.
And now this will be running through my head for the rest of the weekend:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-00zjEq9PNs
Knatolee:
DeleteI LOVE this... and now I eat humble pie!