The Agüimes Carnival through the years

 

The history of the different carnivals of the Canary archipelago is part of the cultural wealth of the islands; One of those celebrations with more background can be found in Gran Canaria, specifically in Agüimes. Sacks of sulfur, sackcloths, esparto grass wigs, cardboard masks, old and torn clothes... the costumes used decades ago by previous generations are far from what we can find in a current carnival.

 

Despite the economic and social difficulties of the time, which even led to prohibitions during the Franco regime, Carnival was celebrated with enthusiasm and joy, becoming one of the town's most important festivals. One of the Carnival traditions that has endured is the practice of getting together to prepare for it; "the girls would meet to decide on their costumes and start sewing them," says Joaquín, a local resident, recalling one of the customs from decades ago.

 

 

The food served during the festivities has also changed; "Agua de Moya" was once what today might be called Strawberry Clipper or Arehucas Rum. Carnival tortillas, while still made during the celebrations, were considerably larger decades ago. "They didn't make those tiny tortillas they make today; they'd fill the whole pan, put it on a tall plate, and then cut it into four pieces with a knife," says José Espino, from Cruce de Arinaga.

 

The venue has also changed over the years, from being held in societies or private homes to the typical current parades. The Agüimes carnival was a celebration recognized throughout the island, which is why it brought together people from Telde, Las Palmas and many more municipalities, something that has not changed today.

 

These traditions and anecdotes have been attempted to be preserved for years in generational exchange projects, in order to teach new generations the particularities and cultural wealth that has made, does and will always make each corner of the archipelago unique.

 

Without a doubt, something that will never change is that characteristic carnival smell that you begin to breathe through the streets when these dates approach.