Carnaval

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity of celebrating Carnaval de Alicante. Starting on Thursday night, it was a relay of dancing, costumes, and trying to get by with as little sleep as possible. On Thursday night, the festivities began with just a few máscaras that a handful of Spaniards were wearing- I even managed to score myself one at one point during the night. Friday night there were even more masks that could be seen by everyone and anyone walking down the streets. There was a live ska band that was playing and everyone was just dancing (and drinking) the night away. Spaniards love to have a good time, to say the least!
Saturday was the big night, though. La Rambla, one of the main streets, was blocked off so that cars could not enter; there was an elevated runway where people dressed in their best costumes could walk down for all to  see, a few bands playing live music, and overall, one massive block party. The streets were crawling with people dressed in creative costumes, quite to the contrary of the "sexy" costumes that Americans tend to prefer. A family of Mr. Potato Heads, a husband and wife dressed as chickens while pushing their child in a stroller dressed as an egg, and Cruella De Vil with her boyfriend as one of the 101 Dalmations, were among some of the most unique costumes that I saw throughout the night. Spaniards from towns and cities surrounding Alicante came to celebrate here, and they sure made it a good one. People were chanting and yelling and drinking in the streets, known as "botellón" until the morning. And although the festivities lasted throughout the night, the streets were lined with beautiful lights, making the city and the buildings come alive for all to see. Thus far, I would venture to say that this has been one of the best nights in Alicante.