Carnival (Carnaval - Multiple locations)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival : declared Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, second largest carnival globally (after Rio). Key events: "Gala de la Reina" (Election of Carnival Queen) at Recinto Ferial—spectacular feather and crystal costumes (weights up to 100 kg, budgets €30,000+), broadcast live on TVE; "Cosso Apoteosis de Carnaval" (Grand Parade) on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with 200,000+ participants; "Burial of the Sardine" (Entierro de la Sardina) on Ash Wednesday—giant sardine effigy burned at beach; "Segundo Cosso" second parade on Carnival Sunday; "Daytime Carnival" (Carnaval de Día) on Calle de la Marina with free street parties, music, dancing. Cádiz Carnival : Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, famous for "chirigotas" (satirical groups with 4-7 members performing 2-3 minute comedic songs mocking politicians, social issues, celebrities), "comparsas" (more elaborate musical groups with 12-15 members, serious themes like social critique), "coros" (largest groups with 20+ members singing classical-style carnival music). Official contest (Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas) held at Gran Teatro Falla (sold out tickets months in advance)—watch on television or live streaming (Onda Cádiz). Sitges Carnival : Spain's largest LGBT carnival, known for "Rua de la Disbauxa" (Debauchery Parade) on Fat Tuesday evening (midnight start, elaborately costumed with drag queens), "Rua de l’Extermini" (Extermination Parade) on Ash Wednesday, and "Carrozas" (floats). General Carnival traditions nationwide : wearing costumes (disfraces), egg-throwing (lanzamiento de huevos) in some towns, "manteo de las viejas" (blanket tossing of the "old women" effigies—symbolizing death of winter), abundance of carnival pastries (buñuelos—fried dough balls, tortillas de carnaval—thin eggy pancakes)