Loro Parque celebrates the carnival from Neuss and Vechta as well as the Carnival in Puerto de la Cruz together with the visiting Prince of Carnival, the Venetia and the honorary members, who all had travelled to Tenerife in order to participate in the celebration in Puerto de la Cruz – a tradition held up for more than 40 years now.
About 30 members of the German carnival committee visited Loro Parque and the city of Puerto de la Cruz within the context of its partnership programme in order to promote this festive tradition and share it with all Canarians. From 11 am onwards, the carnival enthusiasts walked through the park in their typical colourful and shiny costumes. After lunch the guests were awarded with medals, while they kept dancing and singing to the rythm of their own music group, which provided a great atmosphere.
The carnival, or Karneval, has its origin in medieval times with a peak during the 17th century. The people of the then small fishing village celebrated the end of winter and set the stage for Lent with lots of roaring, masks and costumes. Winter was embodied by a boy wrepped in straw who the people symbolically drove out of the village. They celebrated their victory with music, delicacies, dances and many jokes. This tradition led to what is today the Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz – one of the most visited and most vivid carnivals of Europe.
