Sunday 6 March 2011

Completely full and overwhelming translation of Carnival programme at your disposal

JIMENA As promised, below please find the full programme of events for Jimena's Carnival, which takes place next weekend, March 11, 12 1nd 13. Don't worry about the weather, which does not look good but never does for Carnival. Anyway, most activities are under a marquee (Here's an idea: make an umbrella part of your costume). Carnival trends to be noisy and goes on 'til dawn, usually, so if you don't want to take part, or it isn't part of your culture, don't grumble, just head for the sheets - and don't say you weren't warned. PROGRAMME (and a few notes on what to expect):>
Friday 11, 22:00 - Official opening by the Pregonero, Matías García Gil, followed by the four local groups: three chirigotas (El que inventa experimenta, La tenemos encantá and Los pijos del PIJO) and the cuarteto, Esto es lo que hay.

Saturday 12, from 16:00 - CHILDREN in costume at the main marquee (in the parking lot by the square). Games, gifts and merienda. Plus the children's chirigota from San Pablo, Los Buscatesoros.

Saturday 12, from 22:00 - ADULTS & OLDER KIDS. Traditional fancy dress party, adults in costume (advisable). Don't get there too early as you will be disappointed. People are asked to start arriving between 11.00 and midnight, at the clock tower in the square. Individuals or groups taking part in the Best Carnival Costumes comptetion must be at the square. Very small 'parade' to the marquee where competition will be judged. Results of competition and prizes at 3am. Live band: Orquesta Harmony.

Sunday 13, 13:00 - Starting at Llano de la Victoria, after a performance there, the local groups and others from the area parade down the streets to the main marquee, where they offer another performance. Other area groups join forces here as well. The end of the party has a professional group from Cádiz, Ricas y Maduras, original by Antonio Pedro Serrano, 'El Canijo', that is scheduled to start at 20:00 (operative word: 'scheduled').
 
PROSPERO NOTES: 
  • Glossary: There are no words in English for chirigota, comparsa or similar Carnaval terminology. Not when the word cuarteto (nominally quartet) can mean a singing and dancing group of anywhere between two and we don't know how many. No, if you really want to understand it, next time make sure you’re born in the province of Cádiz, preferably in the capital.
  • Libreto: The word should have another t in English, but this is a very Spanish Carnival. You will be offered a booklet with the words to all the songs of the group you will be supporting with the purchase of the aforesaid libreto. It is advisable -and the kind thing to do- to buy all the libretos you're offered, as the money goes toward the considerable expenses involved in preparing it all. It is also a good way to understand (at least some of) the words from the songs.
  • TioJimeno: our good friends at TioJimeno cover Carnival much better than we ever could (one reason is there's more of them, another is that they all have proper jobs and don't rely on donations like we do.) See a great photo album of theirs, for instance.
  • Prospero making a fool of himself, not an entirely unusual occurence.
  • History: a curious picture turned up one day...

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