The Origin of Carnival Arrives at Casa Mediterráneo

When did the Mediterranean Carnival festivities begin? Did the Romans celebrate these festivals? When did the masked balls and parades start? These are some of the questions that narrator, actress, and clown Virginia Imaz will address in her talk 'Carnival, Myth and Ritual in the Mediterranean'. The expert will delve into the history of this festivity on February 24th at 6:30 PM at Casa Mediterráneo.

Imaz will gradually unravel the peculiarities of this celebration, which has its roots in the festivals of Ancient Greece and Rome, with Celtic and Iberian influences. Over time, Carnivals have transformed from pagan rites into grand spectacles of masks and satire, evolving into the tradition we know today.

Thus, Imaz will reveal the ancient pagan traditions related to fertility, as well as how these religious celebrations evolved throughout history, especially after the advent of Christianity. From the Celtic and Iberian festivals marking the change of seasons to the emergence of the term 'Carnival', referring to the Latin 'carne vale', an expression defining the transition to a period of abstinence like Lent.

Virginia Imaz becomes the perfect guide in this talk, exploring this celebration from its origins as a call to spring, through the Middle Ages where parades, theatre, masks, and satire began to emerge, to a festivity that has become one of the most enjoyable of the year.

Through her, this event not only travels through time but also across distances, from the famous Carnivals of Venice to Rijeka, Croatia, the Basque Country, or Cádiz. Each of these Mediterranean regions has embraced a festivity with a common origin and made it their own with unique traditions, many related to enjoyment, humour, and satire.

The event is free to attend until full capacity is reached and can also be followed through Casa Mediterráneo's YouTube channel.