Last year I experienced my first carnival ever…Mardi Gras in New Orleans!  The atmosphere of the festivities just lit everyone up.  There was more smiles, laughter, and just all around cheer.  I was bummed that my year aboard would mean missing it this year, but it hadn’t occurred to me that Spaniards have carnival too.  You can imagine my delight when I saw carnaval posters appear on the lamp posts in Málaga.  I shouldn’t have been surprised given that carnival started in Europe.  In fact, the first mention of a “carnival” on Mardi Gras was under Spanish governance of New Orleans (learned this here). So here I am witnessing history in a sense.  [Click on the pictures below to view in gallery.]

The beauty of travel is getting to see how traditions have evolved over time and cultures.  In Málaga there aren’t parades or beads (or flashing for that matter)…