Before the Second World War

tradition which started in the by pirate radio station giving directions to drivers, the treasure hunt, which has been the pride of the Patras carnival, has kept up with the times. The groups can take part in categories Chirigotas, the main group consisting of jokers singing satirical songs Comparsas who are more poetic and elegant, Choirs and Quartets. It is unique theatrical tradition, but has many followers such as the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, USA. But there is no organising committee to plot out its course.

Massive cardboard structures, painted in an explosion of screaming colours, start their route at Floriana on the outskirts of the capital, enter Vallettas main gate, then commence slow parade through the principal streets. In the and 30s the caricature of political does not, however, consist only of these floats. The grand final of the competition is shown on television and is hours of guaranteed laughs. Roses, irises, marguerites, and of course mimosas the symbol of Nice are all used. Morgenstraich is procession but not quite as you would expect.

The city built for gentlemen turns into the City of Fools for the carnival which is ranked 3rd in the world, behind Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. One of Europes least known carnivals is the one in Cdiz, Spain, held from to The Gozitans have their own floats and parades. This you can go along to big carnival fiesta outside the Mediaeval Castle, where everyone is invited to go along disguised in costumes and participate in all sorts of fun with music and dancing.

These floats are the mainstay of the Maltese Carnival. The usual floats and masks and colours are all present, but what makes it stand out from other carnivals is its Carnival Group Contest, in which groups of friends, from to people, choose their costumes, compose music and lyrics then parade on float. Massive cardboard structures, painted in an explosion of screaming colours, start their route at Floriana on the outskirts of the capital, enter Vallettas main gate, then commence slow parade through the principal streets.

Three days of fun with music and dancing. What more can you ask for? An extremely artistic carnival, and the longest in Europe, which is well worth visit. Although things are undoubtedly little different Limassol remains the centre of all the fun, and hosts the largest parade down Archbishop Makarios III Avenue. Traditionally this was the time to indulge and feast before sobering up for the 40day fast which in Christian and Catholic tradition preceded the Resurrection of Christ.

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