Carnival has a rather early date in this year’s calendar due to Easter happening as soon as March 21st (Good Friday).

All this, of course, is part of the customs of the Roman Catholic church. Spain, as you know, is still deeply entrenched in religious traditions, certainly in rural areas such as Felanitx.

Yesterday it was time for Sa Rueta, the children’s carnival. School classes from Infant and Primary levels made a themed costumes appearance, as well as guarderias (Nursery classes, shown here). Adolescents and adults will have a go at dressing up during Rua which will be celebrated on Saturday (in Felanitx, Cala d’Or, Porreras, Inca and Manacor) and Sunday (in Palma). For other villages and towns please check locally.

Next Wednesday, Lent will start with Ash Wednesday, which is when, in Mallorca, the Sardina will be buried. I’ll tell you more about that, next week.

The photo was taken in Felanitx, Mallorca, Spain. The date: January 31st, 2008. The time was 16:00:01.