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, even leading to bans during the Franco regime, the carnival was celebrated with enthusiasm and joy, thus becoming one of the benchmark festivals in the municipality. One of the carnival customs that has endured over time is that of getting together to experience the preparations for the carnival; “The girls got together to decide on their costume and start sewing it.” comments Joaquín, a native of the municipality, about some of the customs from decades ago.

 

 

The gastronomy of the festivals has also been changing; “Agua de Moya” at the time was what the Strawberry Clipper or Arehucas Rum can be today. Carnival tortillas, although today they are still made during the festivities, decades ago the size was considerably larger, “They didn't make those tiny tortillas that they make today, they took the whole pan, put them on a high plate and then cut them 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.