Carnival week kicks off with the arrival of the King of the Carnival
The acts scheduled for Holy Thursday mark the beginning of a week full of festive fun
On Holy Thursday, which falls on 23 February this year, the arrival of the King of the Carnival will take place in Plaça Sant Jaume, marking the beginning of carnival week in Barcelona. The celebration starts at 5.45pm with the appearance of Frank-i-fals, the king’s prime minister, who will be directing the event. The king’s seven ambassadors will also be making their way to the square after appearing in the street parade in the Gothic Quarter that begins at 6pm at Palau de la Virreina in the Rambla. Anyone can join the weird and wonderful parade of giants and other folklore figures accompanied by raucous music.
Once everyone is in the square, his majesty the King of the Carnival will appear on the balcony of the Town Hall to pronounce a satirical edict with a mocking review of current events. This will be followed by the Taronjada, which is standing battle featuring confetti and orange balloons, accompanied by fireworks of the same colour.
Once the carnival is officially under way, until it ends on 1 March, it’s time to enjoy some of the myriad activities included in the programme, which run from street feats to masked balls, concerts, workshops and parades all over the city.
Additional information is available on the Barcelona Carnival website.