Thousands lined the streets of Torrevieja on Sunday afternoon last weekend

to witness a fantastic spectacle of colour, humour and creativity as 30 comparsas, consisting of almost 1,000 participants paraded along Ramon Gallud to the delight of the spectators.
Crisis, what crisis?’ could have been the call as residents and visitors alike were treated to a stunning display of vibrant creativity in the thought design and execution of the costumes of the groups taking part in this year’s afternoon carnival parade which the organisers were pleased to report had as many groups taking part as last year. Carnival is a great opportunity for those of all ages to take part and this year was no exception with all age groups represented.
The comparsas gathered at the end of Patricio Perez and were stretched around the pedestrianised area along Fotografos Darblade and Calle Concepción, all waiting patiently for the start and their chance to practice their dance routines they had been practising for weeks. Last minute adjustments were made to the amazingly complicated headdresses, makeup and costumes some of the girls were wearing and an opportunity for one of the groups, consisting largely of men dressed as veiled Arab dancers, to entertain with their very funny rendering of seductive Arab dancing. I think the overall standard was even higher than usual and the originality of ideas on display was incredible. The Inmaculada Colegio youngsters dressed as planes with coloured foam; the highly professional execution of the group who came as different boxed Barbi dolls, and one Action man; The Toy story group with two very menacing soldiers with guns dressed and made up completely in green.
There were also green aliens in flying saucers with hydra like feet and a group in white fur coats with husky sleds, a group of Mickey and Minnie Mouses or should that be Mice and some very fetching Little Red Riding Hoods together with some young boys in wonderful ‘wolf’ outfits,. The quality of what was on display was really first class. As the groups began to move steadily down Ramon Gallud interspersed with vans playing loud and appropriate music to dance and sway to, the air was filled with confetti and cheering. There was no Junior Carnival queen this year, a result of the ‘crisis’ but the Crowds were able to see the Carnival queen herself, Lorena Aguilar, set in the glorious setting of her white feathered arrangement set off by blue and purple jewels and silver mirrors, a fitting centrepiece for the whole parade. Television cameras near the main square caught the sounds and sights to broadcast to a much wider regional audience.
As last year the last float, but not quite the last group, consisted of the Drag Queen winners of the recent Torrevieja Drag Queen competition held in the Municipal Theatre as part of the Carnival programme. The first three chosen by the judges together with last year’s winner, ‘Princess’, took their places on the float to much appreciative whistling and good natured banter from the crowd and primped, waved and generally cavorted their way along Ramon Gallud to the delight of the crowds. Bringing up the rear of the parade this year was a large group representing the Columbian residents in brilliant white costumes set off with flashes of gold, red and blue, the colours of the national flag.
For most people the parades are the highlight of Carnival and people come from far and wide to see the offering in Torrevieja. The organisers and the participants can be justly pleased with their efforts this year in providing a first class spectacle and a lot of fun for many caught up in these rather grim recessionary times.
If you missed last Sunday’s parade or if you simply want to enjoy the whole thing again then there is a further opportunity this Saturday night, February the 13th, when the groups once again take to the streets for the slightly less formal evening parade which starts at 9.00 pm.