Meringue wars at Carnaval de Vilanova i la Geltrú

A bit of a sticky situation…

Carnaval 2009 - Vilanova i la Geltrú_v_046 by Karell.Martínez, on Flickr

When: Thursday / Saturday before Lent, 7th February 2013.
Where: Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain.

The Catalonian seaside town of Vilanova i La Geltrú is proud of the fact that it defied carnival prohibition under the Franco regime. Over the centuries the locals have retained many bizarre traditions, including sticky food fights involving mountains of meringues and other confectionery, and the bizarre sardine burying ceremony to mark the beginning of Lent.

In addition masked street processions and various special Catalonian dances are performed, entertaining the crowds of revelers that arrive from all over Europe.

The celebrations start on ‘Fat Thursday’ (or Jueves Ladero), the Thursday before Lent, but La Meringada, (meringue-wars) and street procession to the Plaza de Coles is usually on the Saturday.

Have you been to the Carnaval de Vilanova i la Geltrú in Spain yourself? If so, please tell us all about it! You can share your pics and videos on our facebook page too! Or if you just want to say hi, or leave a comment for any other reason, we’d love to hear from you.

Food & drink

Try our tasty Spanish TortillaAnd Meringues to finish if course!. Drink Cava, Catalonia’s very own champagne.

Travel to Spain

Barcelona airport is about 40 km away.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!