Several of my posts are about traveling to other places, but I have found some pretty fun things to do in Extremadura as well! At the beginning of March, I explored the Roman theater and amphitheater here in Mérida with Doris. Two weekends before that, I went to Badajoz for a couple days with Fanchon - but it was not just any old weekend, it was carnival!
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Roman ruins in Mérida
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Carnaval is celebrated right before Lent in many Catholic countries. Spain has a few celebrations that are pretty large, such as the Canary Islands and Cadiz; ironically,
Badajoz (Extremadura) is not too far behind!? We had a few days off at the end of February for the occasion, so I decided to take advantage of what was close to home instead of traveling far.
Carnaval consists of parades, dressing up in costumes, and having a good time with friends.
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| Nikki and Elliot's terrace gave us the perfect view for the parade - can you see it behind us? |
For the first half of the weekend, I stayed in Mérida. Last fall/winter markets had come to Mérida for the Medieval festival and for Christmas, and they were back again for carnival! I explored the markets on Saturday with my English friend Jess. While it was fun to "window shop" and admire all the interesting jewelry, I refrained from purchasing anything other than a crepe for lunch. That night I dressed up as a pirate and met up with another friend, Doris, and a few of her Spanish friends. It was really fun to see everyone in costume. Some people got really creative with a certain character or theme, and others just went crazy with ridiculous outfits, bright colors, and wigs.
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| A few of the market stands in Mérida, plus pony rides for the kids |
Sunday morning Fanchon and I headed to Badajoz for a couple days. After stopping for lunch, the rest of the day was spent watching the parade - it was 6 hours long!! It was really impressive - the costumes were intricate, the groups changed formation while marching down the street, and the music was good. We watched most of the parade from our friends' terrace, which was more relaxing than sitting/standing along the road for so long, and we were able to see more of the group at the same time. We also saw the first few groups up close as we were heading over to their place. I am glad we saw it both ways and definitely think the bird's eye view is best!
Monday night tons of people went out because Tuesday was a day off for most schools and businesses. Everyone, and I do mean absolutely everyone, was dressed up in a costume! There are three main plazas in the center of Badajoz, and each of them was filled with groups of friends mingling (or if you've been to Spain, think of a giant botellón). I was able to meet up with my travel buddy Taylor (her and I have been on one trip together all ready, and we have two more coming up this spring), in addition to the friends that I went with.
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| With friends during carnival - looks more like we're having a late Halloween celebration! |
The Roman ruins are really impressive! The Anfiteatro was built in 8 A.C. to hold gladiator fights for up to 15,000 spectators. A few years later the Teatro Romano was built right next to it, and its audience can hold up to 3,000 people. Although slightly deteriorated, it is still usable and holds performances during Mérida's annual fair each September. I think it is incredible how intact both of these monuments still are.
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| Me and Doris in the amphitheater |
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| Teatro Romano |
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| Sitting in the stands of the Roman theater |
