Carnaval in Vilanova i la Geltrú – Les Comparses

Today is the third and final post on the festivities of Carnaval in Vilanova i la Geltrú! I know Carnaval has finished but just think of this as extending the party. Last Sunday morning Mark and I met in his barrio and walked down into town. He had warned me to wear shoes that I wouldn’t mind throwing away. This was a good tip.

Les Comparses is loud, fun and…sticky! Les Comparses is when all of the associations, organizations, barrios, and schools play music, dance through the streets and throw hard-boiled candy at the other groups and the crowd. This year the town advocated for the candy to only be in paper wrappers not in plastic as we all know the push to do away with that. The stores in the town report how much candy they have sold. If it was official Comparses candy that was purchased it was in paper wrappers. The photos and videos below really do not do this justice. The report following the event states that 17,000 people participated (those that weren’t participating were certainly out there enjoying it) and 127,000 kilos (279.987 pounds) of candy was bought. That is just crazy!!

So, here are photos and lots of videos. The videos really give you an idea of the passion. I hope you enjoy!

It didn’t matter which street we walked down…they were all covered with candy.

The bars put a little kiosk at the front entrance where you can purchase beer. 🙂 cheers

Several bars and restaurants put tables out front with porrons for the participants to have a drink for free. All this dancing and singing and throwing candy makes you thirsty.

Young and the not so young were all picking up the candy that was thrown.

Every square was a big party.

The Tasmanian Devil is being held captive in the drum!

I loved watching this little girl drop candy from her balcony. ♥♥

Then to the main square where the candy wars took place. Each group has a specified time that they are to enter the square. There is more dancing and singing and then…the candy wars.

The flag bearers then go up to the balcony where they receive this year’s ribbon to add to their flag.