Carnaval 2013

Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.

Carnival is a festival traditionally held in Roman Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox societies. Protestant areas usually do not have carnival celebrations or have modified traditions, such as the Danish Carnival or other Shrove Tuesday events. The Brazilian Carnaval is one of the best-known celebrations today, but many cities and regions worldwide celebrate with large, popular, and days-long events.

Two weeks prior to Lent, the Argentina tradition of El Carnaval del Pais is celebrated, much in the same traditions as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnivale in Venice and Rio de Janiero. Halfway between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, the town of Gualeguaychu in Entre Rios province hosts the largest celebration of Carnaval in Argentina. A 38,000 seat carnival center or corsodromo hosts Samba clubs with over 700 dancers, musicians and singers, all competing for the title of "Kings of the Carnival". This Argentina tradition is vibrantly displayed in costume, song, and dance. In Buenos Aires, each neighborhood celebrates Carnaval with street musicians, or murgas, and artists.

As carnival coincides with summer, in many parts of Argentina children play with water. The 19th century tradition of filling empty egg shells with water has evolved into water games that include the throwing of water balloons.

To see a murga click here